If there were a “like” button for social media in the workplace, would employers click the thumbs up, or roll their eyes and begin listing off all of the negatives stemming from the obsession?
Is the social media movement a distraction to employees and a threat to employers or is it an effective way to promote a brand? The answer is two-fold and depending on the industry, employers have contrasting opinions when it comes to policing the need to browse Facebook and catch up on Twitter.
In a recent infographic provided by Payscale, research was compiled to answer the question, “Do employers “like” social media?”
The result? Companies “like” social media for brand promotion but are hesitant about employee use. The ability to spread the word of company happenings in the matter of seconds with a tweet or Facebook comment is why some companies are concerned, and reasonably so. If there is a rumor going around of company cuts, the news is likely to hit the social networks – and spread like a dandelion seed in the wind.
For this reason, companies have enforced strict social media policies in the office. Here is a breakdown:
- 53% of employers have a formal policy on the use of social media
- 42% say “no” to any use of social media at all
Policies are set into place because, for many companies, social media is a nonnegotiable tool for recruiting and promoting in order to keep up with the competition. In certain industries, the job revolves around social media.
- 59% of media companies actively encourage their employees to use social media
- Over 80% of employers who use social media for recruiting use LinkedIn
When it comes to what employees want – two of five Generation Y workers rated social media access above receiving a higher salary.
It is worth finding a productive balance between the need for social media on the employer’s end to successfully manage a product or service and the want for social media by employees. With a reasonable social media policy in place, both parties can benefit and your company is likely to prosper.
Check out the full infographic below:
What is your company’s social media policy? What is your opinion on social media access at work? Share your thoughts below!
