A large majority of US hiring managers, 88%, would consider firing employees for content found in personal social media posts, according to a survey by Express Employment Professionals.

“Social media is a powerful tool for expression and connection, but a poor decision in content posting can haunt individuals the rest of their careers,” said Bill Stoller, CEO of Express Employment International. “The best advice is to refrain from publishing anything you wouldn’t want your boss to see or think you may regret in the future.”

Top on the list of offenses for which an employee can be fired is publishing content damaging the company’s reputation. It was followed by revealing confidential company information. Also considered offenses that will likely result in firing are showcasing or mentioning illegal drug use, violating the company’s social media use policy and showcasing and/or mentioning underage drinking.

Only 12% of hiring managers say there is nothing a company could fire an employee for based on their social media posts.

According to the report, when asked the same question, most job seekers (86%) agree that companies can fire employees based on their social media posts that reveal confidential company information, violate the company’s social media use policy or contract or damage the company’s reputation.

The survey was conducted online within the US by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between Dec. 1 and Dec. 15, 2022, among 1,002 hiring decision-makers.