photo by Flipped Out
According to a recent survey that Dynamic Markets did for AT&T in Europe, employees say that social networking increased their productivity, extended their abilities and enhanced creativity.
A pan-European survey of more than 2,500 people in five countries shows that the use of social networking tools as part of everyday working life has led to an increase in efficiency. The study shows that 65% of employees surveyed in Great Britain, France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands say their company has adopted social networking as part of their working culture. The research also reveals that the rate of adoption is most popular in Germany, leading the way at 72% while Great Britain lags behind with 59%. The study also reveals:
- 65% of employees surveyed say that social networking sites have made them and/or their colleagues more efficient
- 63% say they have enabled them and their colleagues to achieve things that would not otherwise have been possible
- 46% say they have sparked ideas and creativity for them personally
Read more at the Gilbane Group Blog.
Social networking is helpful in the workplace in the same way that other forms of communication are, the telephone for instance. That said, spending the whole day on facebook is about as appropriate as spending the whole work day on the phone with friends. If you are lucky enough to have an employer that allows of even encourages use of social networking, show some appreciation by limiting the amount of ‘personal time’ on social networks and explore business sites like LinkedIn.
An easy way to leverage social nets at work is to talk (or twitter) about what kind of projects you’re working on in your facebook status or join in discussions with others in your field. Experts or those looking for valuable insights should go on LinkedIn Answers and build up your reputation or learn from others in your field.
Employers and managers need to have a social networking policy. Your employees are using already social networking at work. If you don’t see it then they’re doing a good job of hiding it from you. Trying to block access to social networking may seem like an easy fix but would you block telephone access at work? Chances are employees will figure out a way to get around your attempts – probably by using their mobile phone while privately thinking how much you suck for limiting their communication with friends, family, coworkers and peers. Don’t suck, embrace.
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