Many companies have relaxed their social media policies in recent years. For one, more companies want their workers to be active on social media, and it may even be part of their job description. Some studies have even found that employees who use social media outperform those who don't.

But sometimes employee social media usage gets out of hand—whether they're using it at home or from their work computer. These situations can put companies in a sensitive position, as they are forced to decide whether the social media blunder is severe enough to warrant termination.

Here are some common-sense tips to remember when using social media: do not badmouth customers; do not make distasteful or derogatory comments; do not talk bad about your employer or coworkers and do not disclose sensitive or inappropriate information.