Modern Technology: Maximizing Benefits and Minimizing Risks

Joshua R. Woodard, Partner, Snell & Wilmer LLP
Ron Kubitz, Recruiting/Training Manager, Brayman Construction Corporation

Today, almost every company has workers who regularly use modern technology tools such as smartphones (e.g. Blackberry phones) and Web 2.0 including blogging and social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter at home and at work, and they talk about many things, including the company, their supervisor, their subordinates, and customers. Employers are also using these tools for recruitment, employee engagement, and internal and external communications. While there are many great benefits to using modern technology in the workplace, the risks can be equally as great. Recruitment manager Ron Kubitz will provide a general overview of how to use modern technology for recruitment and employee engagement, followed by an assessment of the legal risks and safeguards required to protect your company and your employees when modern technology is used in the workplace.

By attending this session, participants will learn to:

• Attract passive and top quality candidates using Web 2.0;
• Avoid potential failure–to–hire claims and employee privacy concerns;
• Define the key elements required in an effective social networking policy;
• Identify wage and hour concerns when employees use Web 2.0 and smartphones for work; and
• Recognize safety issues on the construction site when using cell phones, smartphones, etc.