Social Networking at Work

Social networking is developing at a rapid pace and is an extremely popular form of communication for many.

Facebook has millions of users across the globe and sites such as Twitter are growing in popularity by the day.  Many employers are becoming increasingly aware of the potential damaging effects such sites could have on their business whilst others are revelling in their beneficial impact.

Most businesses will permit its workers use of the internet to complete their duties but such access is usually restricted to work related use only during working hours.  However, a recent survey of 2,134 employees found that 46% undertook online banking at work, 19% visited social networking sites, 13% indulged in file-sharing and 10% downloaded media files.  With this is mind, it is easier to see how 233 million hours of work are lost each month resulting in a loss of £130 million each working day.

Employers need to be aware that social networking can be a potential problem in the workplace and measures need to be adopted to ensure use of social networking sites is controlled.  All workplaces which allow internet access should maintain clear policies on what is prohibited, what is restricted and the potential consequences that workers may face should they choose to ignore the content of the policy.  Employers should ensure workers are aware that the policy exists by providing them with a copy or information on where they can obtain a copy.  Employers should also consider covering the policy in its induction process and may choose to provide refresher training or memorandums on the issue.

Whilst there may be disadvantages to social networking sites, some employers are finding that they are able to use such site to increase awareness of brand or reputation which in turn can lead to an increase in revenue.  Some businesses have set up profile pages on facebook or provide regular ‘tweets’ to update the world on its developments; a well-tuned online social network can enhance a business’s collective knowledge and sharpen its ability to act on what people know in time to be effective. 

For some time, the internet has been called the gateway to the future and it could now be time for businesses to begin to take full advantage of this vast source.  Whichever view employers take, they should bear in mind the need to maintain control of internet usage by providing clear guidelines to their workers on use of social networking sites.