A key finding was that one out of eight respondents indicated they post work-related information on social media Web sites. In fact, 30 percent feel it is acceptable to post information online about their employer as long as they believe it is true.

Survey results also showed that more than 75 percent of those who post anything personal online said they were "not at all" or "not very concerned" about information posted online causing professional damage.

"As the use of social media grows at an unprecedented rate, especially among 30 to 49-year-olds, the likelihood of businesses being affected by employee social media use also increases," said Ms. Swendsen.

The growth of social media and the lack of awareness among employees and employers on how it is changing the corporate landscape could increase a company's risk exposure, she noted.

Ms. Swendsen said the survey results should encourage businesses "to understand the extent of coverage that is already in place to address social media risks and exposures, and determine where gaps may exist."

She added that the increased use of social media by employees may amplify a businesses' exposure to potential liabilities such as harassment, defamation, copyright infringement and privacy violations.

The Travelers survey results also indicate that two-thirds of respondents say their company does not have a policy in place for social media usage, or they are not aware that one exists.

"By implementing policies to address social media usage and making employees aware of those policies, businesses can reduce their exposures to legal liabilities, breaches of proprietary information and damage to a company's brand and reputation," Ms. Swendsen added.

To help reduce potential risks, businesses should consider these best practices:

o Developing a policy to govern employee actions on social media tools that a company might deploy within the company's network. Also provide guidelines for how employees should conduct themselves on external social media sites, whether or not they are representing their affiliation to the company.

o Communicating the social media policy to employees will help them understand what is acceptable when it comes to publishing online. Businesses should provide annual training regarding the proper use of social media tools as well as e-mail, instant messaging, blogging and Internet usage.

o A proactive and reactive plan should also be in place to address employees who violate the policy.

The Travelers social media survey was independently managed by a national independent research firm among 2,060 adults (age 18 and over) across the United States.

Travelers said it was not revealed as the sponsor to survey respondents.

Survey results are available at www.travelers.com/business/technology.