subject: Social Networking At The Workplace- What Guidelines Should Be Put In? [print this page] Merging your personal and professional life is a big no in the business world. What about Online? These days almost everyone is on Facebook and Twitter, and for many of us, our social networking activities are spilling over from our private lives into the work place.
No matter how sophisticated our use of social media, we must always be aware of its breadth. As per statics only 48 percent of companies allow all employees to access social networking sites. While 26 percent allow a selected group of employees to use social networking sites. And the remaining ban any social network for personal use entirely.
It is important for us to know what companies are doing and saying about social media at the work place. Companies know that the impacts of social networking sites are extremely intense so they are trying to use social media for increasing brand awareness. Companies are making policies for protecting their brand image at all cost, and they are training their employees to take advantage of social networking to help others in general, or sharing things that will help the company in particular.
To make sure you put your best digital foot forward, companies should follow the following guidelines.
Have a clear policy: Very clear policy is to be placed. Companies should govern the use of the internet and more specifically the use of social networking sites. While some of them may find it easier to ban their access, however it is not a solution. A mid way approach has to be adopted which is appropriate for both company and employees.
Educate Employees: It is important for both employees and supervisors to understand what is expected out of them. Employees need to understand what types of interaction are considered valuable and ethical, vs. action that would be frowned upon. It is important for employees to understand not only the written policy but also the culture of that company.
Technological Precaution: It has to be ensured that no nefarious forces of internet affect the security of the company. Strong fire wall protections, mandatory change of password on a regular basis are required for the smooth functioning of social networking world. Technical measures such as software filtration, time limited access can also be adopted.
Monitor Usage: Companies should monitor internet usage along with social networking sites. It is important for employees to understand that their interactions on these sites are being recorded. Nobody questions the right of employees privacy, however it should also be understood by the employees that brand image is not jeopardized.
The Po!nt: We understand that we live in the world where technology has changed the way people communicate. Give people access to the internet and they will spend hours checking there facebook profile, updating their twitter and LinkedIn account. The time spent using social networking applications is one reason why many businesses are reluctant to allow employees to using these sites. At the same time, however, businesses are starting to appreciate that social networking has its advantages, and there are many companies that have adopted social networking as another vehicle to gain a better presence online and a wider audience.
