Taking care of the image of employees is an essential aspect for any company, and the film “Air: The story behind the logo” tells the story of how the best shoe brands fought to get a young Michael Jordan to sign a contract with them that would allow his name and image to be used for sale.

Those who have already seen the film will have seen how important his mother was in the negotiations and achieving a contract that was historic because, for the first time, a person would not only receive a bonus but royalties for what was sold.

Michael was giving Nike the ability to use his brand image. Is it the same when we use the brand image of our employees? What should we take into consideration as a company to do it respectfully and responsibly?

Necessary care that companies must take when displaying the image of their workers, respecting both their privacy and their reputation:

Informed consent: It is essential to obtain the written informed consent of employees before using their image for commercial or promotional purposes. This includes your participation in photography, video or any other form of visual content. Consent must be explicit and voluntary, ensuring that employees understand how their image will be used and what the extent of their exposure will be.

Clear policies: Companies must establish clear and detailed policies regarding the use of the image of their employees. These policies must be effectively communicated and explained to all members of the organization. It is important that employees know their rights and responsibilities regarding the use of their image, as well as the consequences of non-compliance.

Respect for privacy: The privacy of employees must be a priority. Companies must be cautious when publishing information or images that may compromise the privacy of their workers. It is essential to obtain express authorization to share personal details and never reveal confidential information without the prior consent of the employees.

Appropriate use of social networks: In the age of social networks, it is important that companies establish clear guidelines on the use of digital platforms by their employees. These guidelines should define what type of content they can share in relation to their work and the company, and what type of content they should avoid. In addition, it is essential to remind employees that they also represent the company in their personal profiles.

Protection against harassment: When exposing the image of employees, companies must be aware of possible situations of harassment or discrimination. It is crucial to ensure that shared content cannot be used to damage reputations or harm employees. Should such a situation arise, immediate and appropriate steps must be taken to address and resolve the problem.

In conclusion, taking care of the image of employees is an essential aspect for any company. Respecting their privacy, obtaining their informed consent, establishing clear policies and protecting them against harassment are essential elements for proper image management. By taking this care, companies not only protect their employees, but also strengthen their reputation and create a more trustworthy and respectful work environment.

If you have any doubts or queries about this topic, do not hesitate to contact our team of expert lawyers who will be happy to advise you on these and other matters related to corporate or labor law.