Social Media
Social Media is a form of media which is used for social interaction. It includes all kinds of online communications channels dedicated to community-based input, interaction, content-sharing and collaboration (Wigmore, 2015). Some major examples of social media are Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Reddit, Wikipedia and many more.
Social Media is a form of media which is used for social interaction. It includes all kinds of online communications channels dedicated to community-based input, interaction, content-sharing and collaboration (Wigmore, 2015). Some major examples of social media are Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Reddit, Wikipedia and many more.
Uses of Social Media in Workplace
1. Expanding Market Research
Social networking sites present a great opportunity for businesses to widen their circle of contacts. For instance, a small business can use Facebook to target an audience of thousands without much effort or advertising. By having a good company profile, it opens up a new market and more opportunities to do business (Kelleher, 2015). 2. Low-Cost Marketing Once the social network is established, businesses can use the site to promote their product or brand by having marketing campaigns and special offers posted on the site. Free advertising with the cost of time and effort only (Kelleher, 2015). 3. Improve communication within the organisation With social media, employers and employees can communicate with each other more effectively regarding work-related information or just socialising (NSW Industrial Relations, n.d.). |
The Concerns
1. Productivity
Employees could potentially spend hours on social networking site without doing anything productive for the organization. If we take into account of the average wage per hour, it can become a big problem for the employers. 2. Resources Although social networking sites does not require huge amounts of bandwidth for updates, the video links posted on these sites are the major bandwidth-hungry threat. The cost of maintaining internet browsing will increase as the internet bandwidth increases. 3. Viruses and Malware Hackers could potentially hack into social networking sites to commit fraud and launch spam or malware attacks on the organization while the employees are sharing critical work-related information. 4. Reputation and Legal Liability Some employees might comment publicly about their employer or complain about the company’s product. This will in turn greatly damage the reputation of the company. |
The Solutions
1. Implement Social Media Policy
All employees have to sign on any policies regarding the use of internet at work, access to social networking sites and what they are allowed to say or do throughout office hours.
2. Educate and Train Staff
Make sure all employees are aware of the security risk of simply clicking on a link or download an application from unknown sources which may infect the organization’s network with malware or viruses.
3. Update Security and Usage Policies
Employers have to ensure the policies implemented is up to date and constantly remind their employees about the updates. In addition, employers also have to inform their employees that their actions are being monitored and that failure to adhere to company policy can results in disciplinary action and/or dismissal.
All employees have to sign on any policies regarding the use of internet at work, access to social networking sites and what they are allowed to say or do throughout office hours.
2. Educate and Train Staff
Make sure all employees are aware of the security risk of simply clicking on a link or download an application from unknown sources which may infect the organization’s network with malware or viruses.
3. Update Security and Usage Policies
Employers have to ensure the policies implemented is up to date and constantly remind their employees about the updates. In addition, employers also have to inform their employees that their actions are being monitored and that failure to adhere to company policy can results in disciplinary action and/or dismissal.
Social Media in the workplace do’s and don’ts
(acas, n.d.)
(Kelleher, 2009)
(Laurier, 2014)
(NSW Industrial Relations, n.d.)
(Kelleher, 2009)
(Laurier, 2014)
(NSW Industrial Relations, n.d.)