Social Media Innovation

The controversial issues of allowing employees access to Facebook, and other social networking sites,  while at work has long been debated. Below, I will discuss my thoughts on whether or not they should be banned, and if I would work for a company that bans the use of these social networking sites.

Social networking: Good or Bad for work?

Photo credit: Facebook by JaredVanderzell

Do you agree or disagree that “Facebook should be banned in the workplace”?

I agree that there are some places of employment that should not allow employees to access social networking sites, with the understanding that there are plenty that can allow access with business operations remaining unaffected. Occupations that require a higher degree of focus and concentration are among the top of the list that should ban such sites. These social networking sites provide distractions for employees, preventing them from doing their work, or not allowing them to remain completely focused on the tasks that they need to accomplish. This has the potential to lead to costly mistakes and a reduction of current level of business operational efficiency.

However, it should be noted that if employees really want access to these sites, there are ways they can still gain access. One such alternative is through the use of modern smartphones. Most smartphones have ways to access the internet through either a Wi-Fi connection or their cell service. Employers are unable to prevent access with the latter method, and can only prevent access on their own Wi-Fi network.

Would you work for a company that banned the use of Facebook?

I currently do work for a company that bans the use of social networking sites. I agree with this decision because of the fact that I work in a hospital where there are many instances that require the utmost concentration. If an employee is busy wondering if someone replied back to their message or conversation, there is great potential for mistakes to be made. And in a healthcare setting, that is unacceptable.

I currently use social networks for my private, personal life. When I am at work, I do not care if “Roman is having an OK day and bought a Coke Zero at the gas station.” It does not impact my working day, and can wait for my perusal until I arrive home after work. So, for me personally, I would work at a company that bans the use of Facebook and other social networking sites, because I do not feel the need to access them while at work.

I’m interest to hear your thoughts down below in the comments.