HOW TO: Allow Social Media At Work Without Reducing Productivity

This is the question isn’t it?

The only thing that is stopping businesses from enjoying the benefits of social media at work is productivity risk.

Unfortunately, I don’t have THE answer. But I do have some idea of how to go about achieving this goal.

1. Employer-Employee Relationships

If your relationships with your employees are great, then you will have nothing to worry about. Genuine relationships are not formed overnight; but you can be sure they can last for a long time.

With good relationships, employees will naturally want to work harder for you. That means they will not abuse this privilege but instead, use it to benefit your company. This might sound commonsensical but many companies have adopted the distant and authoritative top-down approach in managing their staff.

This comes really close to the iceberg theory. The underlying problems will always be hidden beneath the “sea”.  You can prohibit the use of social media, ban mobile phones and limit workplace chitchat, but you are not solving the root of the problem – human nature. The best way to bring out the best in your employees is through good relationships.

If you want a short cut, I am afraid there isn’t one that I know of.

2. Culture shapes discipline

What forms a good culture?

Be a good example to your staff by using social media appropriately yourself. Show them what they can and can’t do.