How your social media posts could put your job at risk

South African employees are discovering that their online activity, even after hours, can carry serious workplace consequences, as recent legal rulings show that personal social media posts can justify dismissal.

The Labour Court recently upheld the firing of an employee who posted racial and derogatory comments on Facebook while on holiday.

The court ruled that the posts damaged the employer’s reputation, particularly because the employee’s profile clearly identified their workplace.

‘Be cautious’

Legal experts are urging workers to think twice before posting online. Digital law specialist Emma Sadleir said South African law is now actively holding employees accountable for inappropriate online conduct.

The Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) has also consistently ruled in similar cases that employers may fairly dismiss workers if social media posts damage their reputation—even if the posts were made outside of working hours.

As remote work becomes more common, the boundary between personal and professional online behaviour continues to blur.

“There is no such thing as a strict separation between personal and professional identity online,” experts caution.

Employees are urged to think twice before posting, particularly if there is a chance the content could damage their employer’s reputation or raise a conflict of interest.