The Pros and Cons of Social Media using in Workplace

Many technology and telecommunication system have changed the way of linking others. Many IT industrial leaders are well educated in the advantages and disadvantages of social media in the workplace, but outside the tech industries, companies may be reluctant to allow social media interaction within employees such as hospitality and service industry.

In this article, the pros and cons of social media in workplace will be discussed, and a recommended solution will be given at the end of this article.

PROS of Social Media at Work

Empower Employees. Employees often feel as though their voice is not being heard. The corporate hierarchy could be decreased if a well-designed internal social media platform were built. This is because speaking directly to senior level suddenly is possible and employees can feel a sense of belongings. Especially that the system support anonymity.

Analysing Data. Social Media has the ability to enhance the internal decision-making process. It allows the free flow of the information. Analysing internal company trends, consolidating employee skill sets, finding potential leaders and identifying problems can be located with an effective social media channel.

Social Selling. Using social networks to prospect and develop existing business can be a powerful and cheap tool. It is a perfect example about how technology changed the way of communication. For example, employees are able to quickly gain valuable insight into their business that may have otherwise taken them weeks or months to discover.

CONS of Social Media at Work

Productivity. Employers might have concern for the potential loss of productivity if social media were allowed in workplace. It is true to some extent. The inappropriate interaction during the workday is definitely a productivity killer. Employers will find that by embracing social media usage, some proportions employees will start to loss their productivity.

Increased cybersecurity. Hackers can commit fraud, launch spam or even viruses through the social media platform. It’s important to protect your network with the same level of security that can offer advanced protection to your confidential information.

Having considered both pros and cons. I would highly recommend that Navitas should carefully regulate social media use in the workplace rather than ban it.

Reference:

Engage Group. 2017. The Pros and Cons of Social Media in the Workplace. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.egroupengage.com/blog/the-pros-and-cons-of-social-media-in-the-workplace. [Accessed 16 August 2017].