Apple's internal policies regarding how employees handle information both at the workplace and at home were revealed in a leaked document, depicting a tightly controlled and regulated operation with no room for error.
A recent UK court case that questioned Apple's dismissal of a retail employee over comments he made on Facebook brought attention to internal policies regarding what can and can't be said about the company. Apple was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing, with the tribunal ruling that the termination was justified, agreeing that brand and image were central to the company's success.
At the time, the specifics of Apple's policy was unknown to the public, and only a few vague details were given about how employees are expected to conduct themselves online.
The newly leaked papers give rare insight into how the company handles information and its policies regarding social media and the internet.
In general, employees must follow Apple's principles of business conduct:
- Honesty. Demonstrate honesty and high ethical standards in all business dealings.
- Respect. Treat customers, suppliers, employees, and others with respect and courtesy.
- Confidentiality. Protect the confidentiality of Appleâs information and the information of our customers, suppliers, and employees.
- Community. Conduct business in a way that benefits the communities in which we operate.
- Compliance. Ensure that business decisions comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
A breach of any one facet could be grounds for termination.
All such individuals are expected to comply with Appleâs business conduct policy and principles and with all applicable legal requirements. Apple retains the right to discipline (up to and including termination of employment) or end working relationships with those who do not comply.
Applied to social media, for example Facebook, Apple tells employees to "be thoughtful about how you present yourself in online social networks. The lines between public and private, and personal and professional are blurred in online social networks."
Other notables include not commenting on rumors (even with fellow employees), refraining from speculation, posting controversial or inflammatory opinions on social networks and leaking any confidential information.
23 Comments
Yupper.
So...after working for Apple Retail...then getting a real job and working for hospitals, universities, and corporations, I have to tell you...this policy is pretty much in effect everywhere. Not really a secrecy mantra, it's just professionalism.
So...after working for Apple Retail...then getting a real job and working for hospitals, universities, and corporations, I have to tell you...this policy is pretty much in effect everywhere. Not really a secrecy mantra, it's just professionalism.
Edit: Found an example of the policy. It is a long document, but reads like a product manual, so, well, I still like it:
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/External...xUeXBlPTM=&t=1
(Probably not Retail specific above but still, interesting stuff and nicely presented. And it's under 20 pages LOL)
So...after working for Apple Retail...then getting a real job and working for hospitals, universities, and corporations, I have to tell you...this policy is pretty much in effect everywhere. Not really a secrecy mantra, it's just professionalism.
Yep. The only reason this is getting any major press is because its Apple.
But its really the same policy dozens if not hundreds of other companies have. Including the whole "you want to talk smack, then you should get another job" policy
One thing that wasn't mentioned here that might be unique is that Apple strongly discourages identifying yourself as an Apple employee on any social networks. THe reason is apparently that some folks reading what you write might not get that it is a personal opinion not an Apple one when it is something related to the company and there are only a very small number of employees that can make comments on issues. Even something like turning up on a board like and saying "I think that the iPad 3 is going to come out in the spring and it will have a 1200p 120mHz display with improved brightness so it works outside better and 1GB of RAM . . . " could be taken as you actually stating "wink wink" what's going down.
So...after working for Apple Retail...then getting a real job and working for hospitals, universities, and corporations, I have to tell you...this policy is pretty much in effect everywhere. Not really a secrecy mantra, it's just professionalism.
... and if you choose to bash your company, it would be wise to do so anonymously. Then ask yourself, "why don't I find a company whose purpose is in line with my own?"
On the other hand, there is a fine line when expressing displeasure about your job with friends online. First amendment protection only goes so far.