I just started a new job and am eager to jump in and do great work. The only problem is my new boss sent me a follow request on Instagram. I ignored it for a couple of days but he confronted me yesterday about it. I politely said I don’t follow people from work at all but he said he requires all his employees to follow him (and for them to follow him) for the first six months because he’s had problems in the past where people aren’t really who they claim to be outside of work (he mentioned people aren’t as professional outside of work because they party, drink, etc) so this is his way of making sure new employees are “upstanding citizens” in their daily lives during the 6 month probation period. I work at an accounting firm.
I’m honestly shocked as I’ve never heard this or thought a boss can make you follow them on Instagram. Can I go to HR about this without my boss finding out?