One big problem with apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger is that, whilst they can serve a business use, they are still social media. As staff become comfortable with them, the tone of what would otherwise be a professional conversation can be lowered. Here are some real-life examples of what work-focused social media apps should not be used for when communicating with staff.

When small business owners take on staff for the first time, they often feel as though they are entering “a minefield” of employment law and human resources, which might go off under their feet at any moment. They therefore try to cram everything that they need into their staff contracts, feeling as though this will protect them.