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Employers are blocking social networking when training would be better
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It's time for me to start writing again on a regular basis.
I'm excited to share info about the next big things on the way (my favorite being augmented reality right now), and in my panel talks, training sessions, and presentations, I've started to come across some new questions (finally) from folks OUTSIDE the social media industry. Which means I'm motivated to get back into this part of the conversation.
Anyway.
Lots is being said about the ways employers are treating their employees when it comes to social media access during the work day. Many companies are blocking access (as per Mashable), and higher-profile organizations are making stupid, half-assed decisions.
We're definitely in new territory here (though these conversations took place about personal phone use, email, etc.). And the discussions that are taking place are primarily happening between today's leaders, not tomorrow's. That means the policies they're creating tend to be restrictive and inflexible. I'm curious to see how rules and mores change when the Millennials move into leadership positions. The digital natives, who are more adept at forging and balancing their online personalities (usually after learning what NOT to do...the hard way), will most likely be more forgiving of their co-workers' and subordinates' online antics.
But, for now, we all need to be smart, as someone who's doing a great job creating a professional/personal brand likes to say.
We work with plenty of clients who are finding their way into social media outreach and online reputation management, and many of them are institutionally far behind their employees in understanding implications and consequences.
But, rather make choices that are already antediluvian and carelessly limiting - policies that, as they restrict actions, squeeze unwanted behaviors out to the edges, into places where they can't be monitored or controlled - companies would be well-advised to create policies and develop training programs that allow their employees to "be smart" and act appropriately.
The benefits are obvious:
1. If your employees are happy, they'll share their happiness with your potential clients.
Create opportunities for your employees to learn approved messaging (talking points, appropriate language, branding messages) that they can share. Leverage their love for your brand by giving them the tools to create awareness.
2. You'll create a funnel for criticism and discontent.
If you don't give your employees a safe, responsive place to vent their concerns, then they will express their vitriol anywhere they can. Why not funnel those messages into one place, where you can address them, before they make their way out into the aether?
3. Well-trained employees know what's appropriate and what's not.
An effective training program will help your team understand where the line is when they're talking about company business. Making clear what's confidential, what's good to share, and defining guidelines gives your employees the freedom to succeed. And if they screw up...
4. You have documentation that everyone understands, allowing you to CYA.
5. Your employees are going to find a way to play in their social networks whether you like it or not.
So, instead of ensuring that they'll break the rules, create rules and policies they can follow. You will run a more efficient office if your employees understand where, when, and why it's okay to update their Facebook statuses, check Twitter, watch a YouTube video. If you don't force them to be sneaky about it, you're doing yourself a favor.
That's just a start. I'd love to see some comments about policies that work for your business.
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