Social Media on the Clock?

A lot of debate has been started on whether or not social media, like Twitter and Facebook should be allowed in the work place. Some people have set opinions, either it indefinitely should or should not. But are there exceptions to the rule? Perhaps my opinion will change when I get out into the real world, but at this point I see it as better off if the company only allows access to those responsible for the company’s own personal accounts.

There are and should be exceptions to the rule. According to Rebecca Kelley’s recent blog on “Why Companies Shouldn’t Block Social Media in the Work Place,” “94 percent of companies are continuing to invest in online communities and social media,” yet over half of US companies block social media sites. If their reasoning is because it will deter work production, then managers might as well block all websites un-related to the field. People are going to find things to distract them whether it’s checking someone’s new Facebook photo album or engaging in conversation with co-workers.

Allow those who know how to handle social media. People in a marketing or communications department should first be allowed the access to social media. Typically they understand the online tools and are aware of what’s to come if something negative is posted.
Phase the privilege into work day activity. Setting specific rules and regulations to workers before allowing them access may impede on the amount of negative or potentially threatening comments. If they are using it for their own personal use, perhaps a specific amount of time should be suggested? After all, workers need breaks and time to refocus. Kelley thinks the use of social media in the work place can:
1. Help Morale
2. Build a knowledge of social media
3. Help solve work problems and answer questions
4. Serve as great marketing for the company

Well maybe in a perfect world would that work, but thinking about certain co-workers and people I have come across, I think about their negative comments and disregard for anything they post. Look at some of the girls that pretty much post “soft-core pornography” on their pages. If someone was looking at a friend’s album in the office, would another person be offended? Not to mention the fact that it would not be accepted if it was another website.

Consider your business. There should not be on set standard for use across all types of business in all types of positions. For example, someone sitting at a desk working in a customer service position would be completely different than a security officer.

Consider your employees. Different businesses have different office dynamics and different types of relationships. If, as a boss or manager, you feel comfortable and close with your employees maybe you would be better to judge their work performance and whether or not it should be allowed. As it has been said, computer use for personal business on the clock would be a privilege and not a right. Therefore it could, and should be taken away if people abuse it. Companies pay their workers to do work-related business, period. No one is entitled to using Twitter, Facebook and websites alike for personal use during work hours. Anyone who can’t understand this should get over themselves and realize updating your status or commenting on someone’s page isn’t imperative in the first place.