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Why Businesses Should Not Ban the Use of Social Media at Work

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Why Businesses Should Not Ban the Use of Social Media at Work


DigitalMediaWire recently published an article stating that the majority of U.S. companies ban social media sites at work. The stats break down like this:
  • 54% of business block employee access to social networking sites
  • 19% allow social networking for work-related purposes
  • 16% allow limited personal use
  • 10% allow full use
Further, according to a study cited in the article, "94% of companies are continuing to invest in online communities and social media." So, more than 50% of businesses now block social media sites at work, yet 94% are acknowledging the importance of social media, and are either currently using social media or have plans to in the near future. An interesting dichotomy don't you think?


It's good news that more companies are grasping the importance of social media, as it's huge growth is predicted to continue at the same frenetic pace. According to David Armano from the Harvard Business Review, "social media will get even more popular, more mobile, and more exclusive." As more of these predictions come in, companies are quickly opting out of (or at a minimum, paring down) what they spend on traditional marketing, and instead putting their resources to work on their social media strategy. I'm sure by now you have all heard that that Pepsi has dropped their Super Bowl advertising in favor of social media. According to a press release, "for the first time in 23 years, Pepsi opted to take a different approach with its annual advertising budget. The carbonated beverage company is moving from the TV to the Internet, by giving away over $20 million 'to move communities forward' in a social media advertising campaign called The Pepsi Refresh Project."



What is a company to do, when adopting social media as a marketing strategy, while at the same time banning its use by employees? I believe companies should stop operating out of fear in regard to social media, fearing loss of productivity, the possibility of employees saying negative things about the company, their product(s) or perhaps even their boss; and instead treat social media as they would any other new technology. If you had new accounting software installed, or got a new POS system, would you ban those that did not know how to use them, or would you train them?


Training employees in the proper use of social media will encourage personal responsibility, motivate employees, provide greater job satisfaction, and lead to improved productivity. Employees who connect directly with customers will increase their impact on the business, which builds more loyal, passionate employees. You know that keeping employees happy, motivated and productive is crucial to your success. Some say that social media use at work leads to lower productivity, I, however, disagree. I believe that unproductive employees will find a way to be unproductive whether they are allowed to use social media at work or not. You should hire for attitude & aptitude, and train the rest. And it's high time for social media to be a part of every company's training.

- Margie

PS - Here is a great video on the subject from Attack of the Show.

Do you need help with your social media strategy or training? Call me at 707-933-0687 or email me!



This entry was posted on February 3rd, 2010 at 03:37:49 pm and is filed under Human Resources, Social Media.

3 comments

Comment from: WHN admin [Member] Email · http://www.wineandhospitalitynetwork.com/
I cannot say I agree with your analogy Margie, it is a completely different game, I would not want some staff members or disgruntled employee talking smack about my business. Companies are worried about the abuse and abuse is costly.

As a business owner I work long hours and I surely don’t want to contribute to any thing that may be a problem in the future. I am sure that is why 54% of business block employees from the networks. Maybe the 19% of the others are in businesses that are network related operations and that would work for them but only for the employees that are connected to employer’s clients.

There has to be caps on use or labor cost are going to rise just as they did with the dot.com explosion. I have friends in great positions and they personally abuse there corporate culture. It is a huge problem for employers.

John Frediani
02/09/10 @ 09:06
Comment from: WHN admin [Member] Email · http://www.wineandhospitalitynetwork.com/
This is great, I love it! I am sending it to my friends in the hospitality biz.

Eileen Swanson
02/09/10 @ 09:08
Comment from: WHN admin [Member] Email · http://www.wineandhospitalitynetwork.com/
Margie,

Thanks for the laugh… very funny FB post. I'm ever surprised by the "casuality" of the newest workers in our workforce.

Unfortunately I'm seeing jeans and tight minis with stiletto heels on the tradeshow floor, and most recently interviewed someone while they were on the cell phone while driving, etc etc… I'm working with MPINCC on their student affairs committee to help mentor this next generation. Some are really great, and others need a great deal of direction - or am I old fashioned? I'm getting old - oh no!

- Paula
02/09/10 @ 09:09

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