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Social networking hits staff productivity

Monday 5th July 2010

Employee use of social networking websites during work hours is increasingly widespread, according to a survey by Right Management.

Some 18% of respondents reported that social networking on the job often interfered with productivity - while 41% said it sometimes did.

"Social networking is here to stay," said 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 considered ways to creatively harness the technology and take advantage of the business value social media delivered to boost organisational performance and further business goals.

"We need to look for ways to channel social media in directions that benefit organisations and their employees," he said - adding: "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. Organisations that resist are probably in a losing battle."

Among key findings:

* 48% of C-suite and Vice President-level respondents said social networking seldom interfered with productivity;
* The larger the organisation 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 organisations;
* 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.

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