N&M Social Media Guidelines

Social media has become an important channel of communication for us as a company. We inform fans and followers about new products, services and events that we've realised. At the same time, users can discuss everything that happens in our industry: how they perceive N&M, the work we do and the technology we use. Ideas are shared, technical questions asked and answered. At times you - as an active social media user - might get knowledge of certain things faster than your Corporate Communications department. Social media is vibrant with discussions, opinions and comments. That's why we enjoy seeing you be active because there's nothing more boring than being without an audience. For these reasons we've compiled guidelines for you - and consequently all of your colleagues - so that there's a collective understanding and a high level of security when you're online not just as a private individual, but also as an employee of N&M.

5 Things You Should Take to Heart:

• Transparency is essential. Regardless of whether you're blogging, twittering or commenting, please use your real name and let other users know that you work for N&M when you publish something that relates to the company. Please also keep in mind that certain information includes company and business secrets and needs to be handled confidentially.
• You're a part of it. When you disclose yourself as an employee of N&M you also create a certain perception of yourself, your skills and your company. Therefore, please keep in mind that everything you write can also be related to N&M. It goes without saying that no content should be released that is negative towards N&M, our employees and customers. We don't bad-mouth our clients, competitors or their technologies either. Should you have any questions regarding this, please contact N&M's legal department about it.
• Secrets are necessary. So please make sure that you comply with N&M's confidentiality guidelines as well as data protection laws. Your statements need to be truthful, never misleading and have to be substantiated. Don't release predictions or expectations about the future of the company. Never comment on legal matters or processes. Always keep in mind: There are selected colleagues who've been hired to communicate on the company's behalf. It's their task to comment on specific topics. Please contact them beforehand, should you need support.
• You can't know everything. When posting on social media limit yourself to your field of expertise, especially regarding N&M's line of action, our technologies or specific offers. When you're unsure about a planned post ask yourself: "How would I feel if my colleagues read this?" Once again: If you're unsure, feel free to get in touch with our Corporate Communications team.
• Posts are for all eternity. The internet doesn't forget. Everything you post online is saved indefinitely. Data can be deleted or made anonymous on certain platforms, but don't count on it. That's why you should keep in mind to be respectful online, even if your opponent is wrong, unfair or aggressive. Also remember: Certain statements may have a global effect, therefore, you should show careful judgement. N&M is active globally with clients all over the world. Statements that are correct and appropriate in one country, could be wrong (or even illegal) in another.

5 Rules That Go Without Saying:

• Community rules have to be followed, user guidelines have to be respected, laws and guidelines have to be met. It's unacceptable to release discriminating, sexually explicit, abusive or aggressive posts.
• On the contrary, it's important to be open, honest and respectful. Stand by your mistakes and correct them in a comprehensible manner; smooth out irritations.
• To avoid misunderstandings, clearly separate fact from opinion. Indicate if you're expressing your own opinion.
• Private and professional means should be separated. The line between both tends to blur more easily in social media. Be professional, so that private details won't be used against you at work and among colleagues and clients.
• Should you come across any negative publications, please contact corporate communications within 24 hours, so that the colleagues can handle them professionally.

5 Principles of Our Social Media Strategy

• Our goal is to portray N&M in a consistent and authentic way and position the company as such within social media.
• Quality is more important than quantity. Posts are only released if they can provide benefits. At times it might be smarter to post only once per week. Releasing banalities usually results in irritations.
• We honour everyone's privacy, including that of our clients. Names or client data can never be released on social media; except when consent is given. The same applies to the names and data of employees, which will only be used with explicit consent.
• Third party groups (clients, suppliers, organisations, etc.) cannot be contacted as a private person - unless marketing or corporate communications have given their consent.
• Users contacting or criticising N&M will receive a reply within one business day, if possible and necessary. Should this not be possible it's necessary to react and explain that a proper reply will be given ASAP.

We Don't Need to Mention This...

... but we know that you can be productive at work while occasionally being active on social media. As we've mentioned before: we believe that such activities are an advantage for N&M. Nevertheless, please use your own judgement and common sense to ensure that posting and networking do not distract you from your actual tasks.

If you have questions regarding N&M's social media activities, please contact corporate communications.