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SALT LAKE CITY — Recent surveys show almost a third of employers restrict the use of social media by their employees, a practice experts are warning against.
Microsoft conducted a survey of social media use in the workplace and found that 40 percent of employees reported that social tools increased collaboration. Only 30 percent of employers embrace and encourage social tools, but the majority of employees believed the tools made them more efficient.
Some companies flat-out ban the use of social media by their employees. Social media consultant Erin Tillotson said that could be a bad idea and might ultimately stifle the company's voice.
"If you have people out there voicing (support) for your company, that's just all the better for you," she said.
Consultants like Tillotson say companies need to have a good company policy regarding social media so employees can know what is expected.
So what makes a good social media policy?
- Security concerns, 76 percent
- Productivity loss, 62 percent
- HR concerns, 39 percent
- Concerns about image, 30 percent
- Data loss, 30 percent
- Bandwidth, 21 percent
Company culture
Do you want your employees to be strictly business-like when they interact with customers online, or would you like them to present more of a fun and welcoming attitude? Determining your company's culture can help your workers know how they're expected to act online.
Transparency
If you allow your employees to speak on your behalf, Tillotson recommended workers use their real names and list their position in the company.
"That way, it's clear to whomever they're talking to that this person works for (you) and there is no confusion or things to correct later on," Tillotson said.
What can employees not say?
A lot of employers may be hesitant to have their employees use social media because they're worried sensitive information may be leaked. In fact, 68 percent of employers said the reason social media is restricted in their work environment is for security concerns, according to the Microsoft survey.
Double check
One thing Tillotson recommended is that every boss adds a "double check" rule to the company's overall policy. She said if someone posts bad information, it could go viral within minutes.
"It's really, really hard to fix something when an inaccurate message is posted," she said.
