Former Hobart breakfast host Kim Napier reveals why compliance training is needed.
Like everyone in the industry I am required to undertake Compliance Training to make sure I understand the laws, regulations and company policies that apply to my day-to-day work responsibilities.
As part of training, employees are reminded of the behavioural expectations of staff particularly at company events. Also, in keeping with 21st century communication, there is a code covering social media, reminding staff that even though you consider your Facebook or Twitter account private your status updates or tweets can impact on the image of the company you are employed by.
This leads me to sharing my first official warning in 25 years of broadcasting.
Over two decades with the one company, I would argue my longevity was a testament to my work ethic and worth to the brand. I have always respected the business units I have worked in and at station events adhered to company expectations. I engaged with clients, limited alcohol (probably ate more than my share of nibbles) and was positive and enthusiastic about whatever it was we were launching or promoting.
I afforded the same respect to the community, maintaining a smile when recognised by a listener with a few too many under the belt, keen to tell me what they hated about me and why they didn’t listen to my show. I was just as polite to those who loved the show and imagined they were my best friend. I didn’t go out at night a lot given the nature of early starts so I was often home in bed before the real partying started – expect for this night.
A group of friends, including my husband went to a local pub and very late into the night took to the dance floor and ended up taking our tops off. Isn’t that what you do when you dance to Jo Cocker’s Leave Your Hat On?
Not according to the boss.
Unfortunately for me photos were taken and posted on social media (although I haven’t seen any I doubt they were posting about our dance moves), this was a breach of my employment conditions and I was subsequently issued with a written warning. Fair enough.
Although I did argue with management what course of action would have been taken if it was a party within my home and someone took a photo of me either topless or legless which ended up on social media – same rules apply.
Perhaps it is best summed up by American social media blogger John Boyle, “Anonymity is the fame of the future.” I might give Sia a call and get some tips.
Kim now lives in Adelaide and works freelance. Read Kim’s earlier stories by clicking her name in the tag cloud below.