Members have the right to talk about industrial and political matters on social media. But we recommend you do so responsibly – for your own safety.

Want to organise a community rally, celebrate a workplace win, drum up public support for a petition, lobby a politician?

Chances are you’ll turn to Facebook, WhatsApp or other social media or messenger platforms to make things happen and get your message across.

Our members use social media creatively and with good effect every day.

Because social media is such a powerful campaigning tool, employers and government bureaucrats will inevitably try to control what people say on it.

NSW Health, for instance, has announced  “a campaign on appropriate use of social media”. It is writing a new social media policy for employees and has invited the NSWNMA to comment.

Depending on how the updated policy is worded, we are concerned it may encourage some managers to try to clamp down on fair comment relating to union activity or political issues.

We will always strongly support your right to engage in industrial and political discussions on social media. We also want you to do it safely.

The NSWNMA is developing advice on how to use social media in keeping with our professional obligations, as well as your obligations as an employee.

The following tips will help you use your voice effectively – and stay safe while doing so:

Understand, and do not breach professional codes such as the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia code of conduct and your employer’s code of conduct.

Be aware that employers can discipline employees over social media use – even when it’s used outside of working hours or on a personal page or platform. Become familiar with your employer’s specific policies and codes of conduct.

As a general rule, you should not engage in social media activity which:

brings your employer into disrepute

brings your profession into disrepute

divulges confidential information, especially if it identifies patients (don’t ever identify patients – no matter who you’re talking to and how secure you think your privacy settings are)

implies you are communicating on behalf of your employer.

Treat people how you would like to be treated

When making political or industrial comments, make sure statements are clearly identified as your own
and that you are not representing your employer.

Try to engage in online interactions thoughtfully and respectfully. Be polite and treat people how you would like to be treated.

Pause before responding to online comments or discussions and don’t let strong emotion get the better of you.

Take a moment to reflect on whether you would feel comfortable expressing the same thoughts in person.

If not, consider adjusting your approach to ensure your message aligns with your values and professional obligations.

Focus on sharing information, rather than aggressive or inflammatory language.

Acknowledge the views of others and respond in a way that promotes understanding rather than division.

Be careful of defamatory language or posts. Defamation is a communication (in person, on social media, over email or in print) from one person to at least one other that harms the reputation of an identifiable third person.

Engage in solution-focused communication. Instead of focusing on grievances or attacks, direct the conversation towards solutions.

These hints will help you guide online interactions toward more respectful conversations, prevent escalation and protect your professional reputation.