It used to be the big drain on productivity in an office was unchecked internet browsing during work hours. Now the focus seems to have shifted to putting a halt to employees doing personal online social networking on sites like Twitter and MySpace. Stopping this non-work related activity will increase productivity and strengthen a company… or will it?
First of all, social networking has long since blasted into the mainstream and a majority of people's lives. It's how they communicate with friends, stay informed, and even manage their activities. Imagine if personal emails were denied to employees. Would there be a mutiny, or merely a riot?
Right now there wouldn't be much of a whimper banning social networking. But loopholes and workarounds would soon be created, and there would be a spike in usage of social networking iPhone apps. That's how far social networking has come in an incredibly short time. People need their tools to stay connected to other people.
Dealing with social networking in the office doesn't have to be a struggle. It can be a tool for encouragement and trust. If there isn't already, define levels and goals for productivity that can be measured. Then, as long as the employees are getting their work done, why shouldn't they be allowed to do some social networking?
Is social networking allowed at your office? Tell us how it has or hasn't affected day-to-day business.
