Most employees have easy access to social media while in the workplace. Whether their job requires them to use a computer or they have a smartphone, social media is within their reach during the workday. While social media has made it easier for people to stay connected, it has also caused problems for employers.
Angry employees can damage a company’s reputation by broadcasting their frustrations to a large internet audience. Workplace productivity can also suffer due to distracted employees checking for updates and posting to their social accounts. Social media can begin to take its toll on employee attendance as well due to extended or frequent breaks to check for updates.
Many employers are struggling with how to handle social media in the workplace. Smart employers can harness the power of social media to boost exposure and sales. However, before using social media to their benefit, employers need to address social media use by their staff. Below are several tips for managing social media in the office.
Monitor Employee Productivity
Not all social media sites are public, so employers cannot always see if employees are using them during the workday. However, a sudden dip in productivity may be due to excessive time on social media. If an employer establishes performance expectations and a review process, employees will focus more on meeting goals and deadlines than checking social media to ensure a positive review.
Be Aware of Unhappy Employees
Most unhappy employees are the product of a difficult work atmosphere. Employers can train managers to recognize signs of dissatisfaction and to monitor employees for potential rifts. Employers can prevent a social media incident by identifying potential conflicts and addressing workplace disputes before they get out of control.
Put a Policy in Place
Putting a social media clause within the company handbook can help provide guidelines for social media use both in and out of the office. The policy can discuss confidentiality to protect sensitive company information. Employers should also communicate their expectations of how employees can or cannot use social media during the workday. If an employer does not want employees updating their social sites while at work, they need to make this clear. Be sure the policy is enforceable; otherwise, it carries no weight.
Social media can affect a company’s reputation, employee productivity, and employee attendance. By taking the proper steps, employers can mitigate these difficulties. To learn more about how social media affects absence management, contact Actec.