05-13-2015, 09:29 AM
If employees work with the public and are obligated to serve members of the public equally, I think it's wise to terminate them if they're so stupid as to make statements that can be overheard or read in a public setting about their bias against Jews, or Muslims, or whites, or blacks, or women or whatever. Were I the boss in such a case, I'd question the employee's judgment and ability to perform as required. I wouldn't want the negative image and potential liability problems associated with that employee and would fire him/her without qualm.
For me, it doesn't matter where the statements are made -- on or off the job. If employees publicly express views which contradict the organization's mission, or potentially put customers or other employees at a disadvantage/risk, a smart employer will show them the door.
Individuals, no matter what their jobs, have the right to exercise free speech. And the people in charge of organizations have the same right.
Having said that, I'd not fire someone for making or posting a stupid joke or controversial comments that had nothing at all to do with the job. However, it those remarks went viral and caused a public shitstorm for the company, I'd terminate the employee if that was the best option available to put out the fire.
For me, it doesn't matter where the statements are made -- on or off the job. If employees publicly express views which contradict the organization's mission, or potentially put customers or other employees at a disadvantage/risk, a smart employer will show them the door.
Individuals, no matter what their jobs, have the right to exercise free speech. And the people in charge of organizations have the same right.
Having said that, I'd not fire someone for making or posting a stupid joke or controversial comments that had nothing at all to do with the job. However, it those remarks went viral and caused a public shitstorm for the company, I'd terminate the employee if that was the best option available to put out the fire.