Social media has significantly changed the way people communicate with each other everywhere. It is safe to say that social media has a huge impact on our lives at home or work. But with this increasing use of social media in the workplace, employers and managers are faced with a tough decision. Will the employees be permitted to use social media at work at all?
Social media platforms provide massive opportunities for companies in terms of public relations, recruiting, promoting, feedback, organization development, and internal and external communications.
On the other hand, social media can hamper business as it can be a productivity killer as many employees engage themselves in social media during lunch or short breaks or sometimes when they are bored while working.
Here’s a list of pros and cons of social media in the workplace:
Table of Contents
Pros of social media in the workplace
1. Developing workspace relationships
Colleagues interacting with each other on social media can help develop a great relationship among them and will reflect during the work as well. People with like minds will connect with each other which can make them work efficiently as a team for problem-solving.
2. Brand awareness and reputation
Allowing workers to write favorable insights about the company on social media might be beneficial to you. The corporate reputation will increase if they post smart articles and videos, as well as show how much they enjoy their work.
Plus during the feedback, if they see how good the company’s reputation is they will put more effort into their work and help to succeed.
3. Mental breaks
Taking a mental break from work sometimes is something to be encouraged. It is very important to take short, regular breaks to get back to work with a fresh mind.
Allowing employees to access social media during these breaks makes them more comfortable. Letting them engage themselves with something they like through social media can be beneficial for them to relax.
4. Recognition
Recognition allows team members to interact, which works to build team cohesiveness. Employees can congratulate each other, keep up with the company’s current events, and interact with more of their colleagues.
Cons of social media in the workspace
1. Productivity killer
Many people have been caught playing games or looking at Facebook while at work, which is prohibited. using social media in the workspace can be a huge distraction. Excessive use of social media can limit an organization’s profits and productivity, resulting in financial loss.
2. False information
Competitors or opponents may post false information about the product or service, resulting in a loss for the company. Getting excessively involved in a dispute can be both helpful and bad for a firm, depending on the type of problem.
3. Risk of viruses
When compared to other websites, many social media sites offer weak virus and malware security. This makes it very easy for employees to unintentionally download computer viruses to their company’s servers, as well as they can be subject to phishing and other internet frauds that can spread viruses.
4. Employee wellbeing
If an employee is accessing social media during work and if they come across something that can disturb them or create a rivalry among their coworkers then that can affect the business and ethics of that company.
Final Thoughts:
Social media can benefit any organization if it is used efficiently without creating any distractions for the employees or harming the reputation of the company. Social media platforms should be used for work-related purposes and not for personal use. Access to social media should be limited to only during breaks.
Instead of controlling their social media usage, encourage workers to use it more efficiently and for their benefit.
Sharvari is a CSE undergrad and an author at Evolve. She is a dreamer. An explorer of life which she showcases in her writing. She writes to share, to learn and to be heard!