The debate around using social media in the workplace continues. We basically have three camps: 1) those that are 100% “for” full access to social media sites, 2) those against, and 3) those that want to provide access within boundaries. Here is some of the reasoning I am seeing:

FOR

1. Productivity is positively impacted. The Hawthorne study shows that happy workers are more productive

2. Greater efficiency results in dollar savings

3. It is value-added and relevant in today’s workplace and global economy

4. Access allows companies to attract, motivate and retain younger workers in all jobs. Social media is how they communicate.

5. Employees will find a way around rules anyway, so why bother

6. Allow access for knowledge workers (but block it for others)

7. It is a non-issue if you focus on performance. Is the employee getting the work done.

8. It can be costly to set up systems to disallow access

9. It is a fit for our culture

10. Your company will become obsolete unless you keep up with changing technology. E-mail is becoming so yesterday

AGAINST

1. Productivity is negatively impacted

2. Employees waste time

3. Social media sites are not relevant for the work that needs to be done.

4. Heavy social media use slows down the company’s network

5. Social media creates legal liabilities and security issues for the company

6. Workers that are not social media savvy or interested perceive that they have to pick up the slack when others waste time on sites

7. It doesn’t fit our culture

WITHIN BOUNDARIES

1. Provide access to social media for certain jobs where relevance has been established (for example recruiters)

2. Generally disallow access to social media sites, but set up a few computers that can be accessed on an ad hoc basis for specific needs

3. Disallow access to social media sites during work hours, except during break times, before and after working hours

I am sure there are lots of other reasons you have landed in one camp or the other. Please share.