Should Companies Allow Social Network Usage at Work?
November 12, 2007 5:26 pm Social Media
Serving as a social marketer, I can definitely see the perks of allowing employees to access Facebook at work. I also believe that some restrictions need to be put into place. For companies to maintain their positive image in the community, they need to ensure that their employees are not posting inappropriate content on their social networks.
BusinessWeek recently featured Serena Software for launching “Facebook Fridays” where employees can interact with one another online for an hour per week. This program encourages them to update their profiles, connect with colleagues, and recruit potential candidates. Serena Software is also using the “Group” feature as an alternative to the intranet. What are the benefits of this strategy? Collaboration, communication and community.
Generally, employees are more loyal to companies that provide them with a sense of belonging. Since joining my company a month ago, I have befriended many of my colleagues at work online. It has allowed me to learn more about them and has paved the way for a friendship. Global companies can definitely benefit from the “Group” feature on Facebook because it allows their staff to connect with one another on a personal level. Since my company has offices in over 14 countries, interacting on Facebook will allow me to put faces to the names of people I will probably never meet in person.
Despite these benefits, there are companies which are still hesitant to jump on board. According to Forrester Consulting, 58.4 percent of the 308 large companies interviewed impose a policy prohibiting the usage of social networks at work. There is a general concern about employees getting distracted at work and not meeting their deadlines. After all, some top honchos don’t want to pay for their staff to “play” on the internet. This sentiment shows that there is still a lag in the understanding of the full benefits of social networks. They are seen as a fun way to pass time, as opposed to a great marketing strategy.
Perhaps these employers would be more comfortable in allowing their staff to use these sites if some guidelines were put in place. Some common sense rules that can be imposed internally for social network usage at work can include:
- Limit your time on social networks to an hour a week to ensure all work is completed
- Do not divulge confidential company and client information
- Do not post inappropriate pictures or comments
- Do not use profanity
- Do not bash or bad mouth your company or clients
One might argue that these rules take away from their desired level of expression. However, using social networks at work is a privilege that employees need to avoid abusing. My question is: If employees only access their social networks from home, should they be absolved from following these rules?
November 13th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
If a company allows their employees to use social networks (at work), I think it’s imperative that the company takes the time to understand how the social network actually works/is beneficial. Particularly for understanding what the risks, benefits and issues may be.
For example, do companies understand how a Facebook user blocks profiles from being publicly searched or how LinkedIn users can prevent people from seeing each other’s contacts. This information can be documented and shared, providing ways to improve how these tools are being used.
Education is key as well. Instead of restricting users, understanding and conveying what the pitfalls may be could be a better angle (of course some guidelines are just inline with traditional confidentiality or security). There are definitely case studies or information available discussing inappropriateness in social networks, and how it has created a negative image, for both the user and company.
November 13th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
Derek,
Thank you for your feedback. I absolutely agree with the fact that education is essential on so many levels. That is obviously the first step before implementing any kind of social network policy.
I still maintain that guidelines are essential because employees need to know their boundaries. We all know that there are people out there with limited amount of common sense. They simply don’t realize that publicly bashing their company is just not the best idea!
Reem
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