Emoji-Awareness in Law
Is that winky-face or heart eye emoji considered friendly or flirtatious at your office? Emojis have created a tricky new area of employment law that attorneys now must face. In fact, employment attorneys might even want to think about setting up emoji-awareness seminars for companies on how emoji and apps are creating new conflicts in the workplace.
Leigh Goddard, partner at McDonald Carano, recently sat down with Inside Counsel to discuss the legal implications of emoji use in the workplace. Goddard practices in commercial and complex litigation, employment & labor law, and trust & estate litigation. Her representation covers all aspects of litigation, from investigation through filing of initial pleadings, discovery, and motion practice, to trial.
“Companies do not necessarily need to set up emoji-awareness seminars,” she explained. “Rather, they should insist that employees remain professional in their communication style so that the meaning of the communication is not misconstrued. Existing harassment and discrimination policies likely already cover emoji and emoticons, but it would be wise for companies to provide additional examples in their handbooks and trainings regarding the use of emoji.”
For example, applications like Slack are electronic communications platforms designed to facilitate discussions among team members. These platforms are no different from existing systems, including email, message boards, Instagram, Facebook and more. Emoji should typically not be used in professional communications and can alter the meaning or intent of communications. According to Goddard, as with any other form of electronic communication, humor, sarcasm or intent can be misconstrued, and this is no different when emojis are used in communications are used in communications with co-workers.
To read complete article click here
By Amanda Ciccatelli
Inside Counsel (9/7/17)
About McDonald Carano
McDonald Carano has been shaping Nevada’s legal, business, and policy landscape since our founding in 1949. With more than 60 lawyers and government affairs professionals working from offices in Reno, Las Vegas, and Carson City, we are Nevada’s law firm for business. Our local, national and international clients include Fortune 500 corporations, fast-growth and mid-market companies, entrepreneurs and startups, non-profit organizations, government entities, and high-net-worth individuals. Our attorneys deliver cross-discipline, one-stop, business law and government affairs counsel. Please visit mcdonaldcarano.com
Media Contact
Mark Buckovich
mbuckovich@mcdonaldcarano.com
702.257.4559
You have chosen to send an email to McDonald Carano. The sending or receipt of this email and the information in it does not in itself create an attorney-client relationship. If you are not already a client, you should not provide us with information that you wish to have treated as privileged or confidential without first speaking to one of our lawyers. If you provide information before we confirm that you are a client and that we are willing and able to represent you, we may not be required to treat that information as privileged, confidential, or protected information, and we may be able to represent a party adverse to you.
I have read this and want to send an email.