Social Networking On the Job is Widespread
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Social Networking On the Job is Widespread
PHILADELPHIA, PA – June 30, 2010 – Employee use of social networking websites during work hours is widespread, but is not necessarily interfering with productivity, according to 40% of the respondents surveyed by Right Management. Right Management is the talent and career management expert within Manpower, the global leader in employment services.
The firm analyzed responses from more than 1,000 individuals throughout North America via an online poll conducted May 2010 in partnership with LinkedIn®.
Only 18% of respondents reported that social networking on the job often interferes with productivity, while 41% said that it sometimes does so.
“Social networking is here to stay,” advised Melvin Scales, Senior Vice President of Global Solutions at Right Management. “By some it is perceived as disruptive, with about half of all companies reporting they block access to social media sites because of productivity and security concerns. However, some companies are looking for innovative ways to embrace the new medium.”
Scales suggested that managers consider ways to creatively harness the technology and take advantage of the business value social media delivers in order to boost organizational performance and further business goals. “We need to look for ways to channel social media in directions that benefit organizations and their employees.”
“Social networking is more and more central not just to how we stay in touch with family and friends, but how we stay connected to our colleagues,” said Scales. “For many, social networking sites are an integral part of both personal and professional lives. Technology is changing how, where and when work gets done. It’s all about knowledge sharing, collaboration and transparency.”
“Managers should embrace new technologies to communicate more effectively with employees and keep them engaged and informed,” suggested Scales. “Forward looking companies use social networking to build loyalty, share ideas and experiences, and increase collaboration. By nature, we are social creatures and these tools can foster brainstorming, teamwork and innovation. Organizations that resist are probably in a losing battle.”
Among key findings:
- Forty–eight percent of C-suite and Vice President-level respondents said social networking seldom interferes with their productivity.
- The larger the organization the less likely the perception that social networking hinders productivity, with 51% of people working at companies of 10,000+ employees responding that it seldom interferes, compared to 41% at smaller organizations.
- Not surprisingly, 62% of IT professionals said it seldom interferes, compared to 30% of sales professionals who reported that it often interferes.
- Of those aged 35-44, 47% said that it seldom interferes, compared to 35% of those 18-24.
“Given the widespread use of social networking sites, companies need to have policies in place,” said Scales. “We know from research conducted by our parent Manpower that organizations struggle to accomplish this, with as many as 75% of employers saying their organization does not have a formal policy on the use of social networking sites at work.”
Right Management surveyed 1,080 individuals via an online poll on LinkedIn® conducted between May 11, 2010 and May 18, 2010.
About Right Management
Right Management (www.right.com) is the talent and career management expert within Manpower, the global leader in employment services. Right Management helps clients win in the changing world of work by designing and executing workforce solutions that align talent strategy with business strategy. Our expertise spans Talent Assessment, Leader Development, Organizational Effectiveness, Employee Engagement, and Workforce Transition and Outplacement. With offices in over 50 countries, Right Management partners with companies of all sizes. More than 80% of Fortune 500 companies are currently working with us to help them grow talent, reduce costs and accelerate performance.
Media Contact: Helene Cavalli, Right Management, 215-640-7141 or helene.cavalli@right.com
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