Work and Social Media… Yay or Nay?
Ten years ago, social media usage in the work place wasn’t even a concern. It hadn’t blown up and companies hadn’t realized the potential the numerous platforms held. But today, it’s a completely different story. Everyone is on social media and everyone is making time during their day to stay updated.
According to a 2015 Pew Research Center study, social media usage has drastically changed from 2005 to now. In 2005, around 7% of American adults were using social media compared to the 65% in 2015. And 2015 doesn’t seem like long ago, but that percentage has already probably gone up once again. Social media has shown it’s ability and I don’t think it’s going anywhere anytime soon.
So, today, is social media usage in the work place really a concern, or should it be allowed? I can see this debate from either side of the spectrum.
Today, people use social media for so many different reasons. Some people use it for the same things, while others use it in unique ways. Either way, everyone has their purpose to whip out their phone and start scrolling through their accounts. Another Pew Research Center study breaks down a few different reasons as to why people are using social media while at work. Below is a screenshot of the numbers they found.
Looking at the reasons behind the usage, it makes sense. A mental break from their job? I’ve never thought about it this way, but I can relate of needing a 5 minute break from work to just regroup. When I’m doing homework or studying for an exam and feel a little too flustered, I open my phone and give myself some space. And to use your resources to seek help from outside the company just shows determination. If the intentions are good, I don’t see the harm in allowing employees to use social media.
The study also breaks down employer rules on social media usage at work, what information was found and how it was helpful, and other informative statistics that show the benefits.
After researching some social media policies for specific companies, Associated Press stood out to me. (Now, I’m sure many other companies have a similar policy, but I didn’t look at every single policy out there.) Associated Press encourages employees to have an account on all social media platforms AND to put in their biography/profile that they are an AP employee.
With how many companies today who rely on and steadily use social media for it’s own benefit, more companies are going to encourage social media usage and I find that pretty cool. Adding to that, IF the company really does rely on social media, how can it tell employees that it’s a bad work habit? Think about that.
Now on the other hand, there are a few reasons why I don’t see social media usage at work productive.
- It’s distracting. It’s incredibly easy to get caught up on Facebook and I think that could cause some issues.
- There are certain places I don’t find it appropriate at all. For example, if you’re on the job (and not on break or lunch) and you’re a doctor, I don’t really think you should be on Twitter when dealing with a patient. It’s a little hard to balance those two things.
- People are dumb on social media and that could come back and bite them in the butt. Someone could be joking around with friends and post some incredibly inappropriate tweet while on the job and it could get back to the boss. You reflect your company and if you’re acting stupid, you’re making yourself AND your company look stupid.
Nonetheless, I find it important to learn your company policy and to respect it. Don’t risk your job because you couldn’t wait to retweet the cat video. But if you need that little mental break, you go ahead and take it. Sometimes it’s necessary.
