Do you use social media to communicate with your workforce, or are you missing out on a huge engagement opportunity?

Social media has its feet firmly under the desk at work, whether senior management like it or not. From talking to colleagues, sharing news and info, to Youtube tutorials or recruitment tweets, it’s here to stay.

Recent research by PayScale has revealed some interesting figures on employers’ relationship with and attitude to social media.

LARGE CORPORATES vs. SMEs

Smaller companies are clearly more open to social media than large. 57% of small companies have developed a formal social media policy, while only 47% of large companies have done so, leaving themselves and their employees open to potential issues. And 65% of small companies use social media to recruit, compared to just 44% of large, meaning larger companies are missing out on potential talent for their business.

Yes, SMEs are doing social media brilliantly. Smaller companies are more nimble and able to adapt to these new trends – informal, open communication is often at the heart of their business and that works in social media. Would big businesses be better off following the lead of their smaller counterparts?

MANUFACTURING vs. MEDIA

Each sector has its own view. While 71% of energy companies ban any social media use at work, 59% of media companies actively encourage it. Having your ‘finger on the pulse’ is vital in fast paced-industries and social media can be a valuable connection to emerging trends for many industry sectors.

EMPLOYERS vs. EMPLOYEES

From an employee perspective, social media is becoming a deal breaker. Two out of five Generation Y workers rate social media access above receiving a higher salary. It isn’t just the young this is important for, over 50% of workers over 55 use social media at work every day. The jury is out over how this affects productivity, but several recent studies have shown that access to social media can make employees more productive.

Let’s take a look at some potential benefits and pitfalls:

Like

– Happier workforce 

– Talent attraction

– Blogs and industry interaction

– Networking

– Ideas, research, creativity

– Media savvy employees

– Greater collaboration

Hate

– Distracted employees

– Confidentiality and security

– Reputation risk

– Software viruses/bandwidth issues

– Legal liability

– Uncontrolled company exposure

HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY

With the expectations of employees and market demands, social media isn’t something that can be swept under the carpet. Bans are gradually be lifted as social media can’t be ignored. The key to mitigating the risks, and protecting employer and employee interests is having a policy. More social media policies are being established each year. Rather than heavy-handed bans, companies are opting to allow restricted personal access, encourage networking and educating employees about potential legal issues.

What is your policy on social media? Are you rethinking a ban? What has been your experience of social media?

Hear from your peers and get some advice on social media in your business,  join us on Thursday 5 July at 12-2pm on twitter #SocialMediaAtWork.