Facebook and productivity in the same sentence? If this feels like a stretch you’re not alone. Up until now about half of America’s CEOs have forbid social media during work hours most likely for reasons far from productivity. Still, studies are proving the contrary and the findings just might get you to “Like” social media during office hours.
LET’S START WITH THE FACTS
The Academy of Management conducted a study that is changing minds and workplace internet usage. The study was conducted over three groups: a control group with no privileges, a second group with breaks but no social media freedom, and a third group that could use their break time however they chose to, including 10 minutes of social media surfing. Results showed that the third group, who had the freedom to surf social media, was 16% more productive than the second group (who were allowed breaks but not allowed to browse social media) and 38% more productive than the control group. Could this be a huge and long running time management mistake made by bosses all around the globe?
WHERE DOES THE POWER LIE?
The power in increased productivity lies in unplugging. By affording employees 10 minutes to check Facebook or browse Pintrest you are allowing them to momentarily check out of work and check in with the other, social areas of their lives. Having taken a few minutes to address their personal lives, employees are able to dive back into work with a regenerated focus and energy. Also, employees who are given this kind of freedom feel less like mindless work robots. These employees acknowledge feeling a better balance between work and life, a mood that can also increase workplace motivation and productivity. Still feeling hesitant? Let’s address the top 3 concerns:
CONCERN #1: THINGS WILL GET OUT OF CONTROL
If you are concerned that allowing people 10 minutes of Facebook will quickly turn into profile-picture cubicle photo shoots, then share that hesitation with your staff. Explain to employees why you are trying this privilege out, that you hope it will help them relax and then in turn, become more focused. However, you are worried that this privilege might become abused. Sharing hesitations and emphasizing that this type of activity is a “privilege” will make employees think twice about taking advantage.
CONCERNS #2: THESE SITES WILL OPEN US UP TO SECURITY ISSUES
Before you allow social sites in the office, remind employees of the dangers of hackers and malware; they should never disclose personal or professional information, nor should they ever download something from an unidentified source. If you are still concerned about that YouTube video spreading a virus, limit social media surfing to personal Smartphone use only.
CONCERN #3: WHERE DO WE DRAW THE LINE?
When Yahoo turns into Facebook, which then turns into an online poker site, which turns into a porn site – you have a problem. When testing out social site privileges, be sure to draft a formal internet usage policy that points out what type of personal sites are (and always will be) forbidden in the workplace.
IN SUMMARY
You might feel like a babysitter, affording each employee a cookie of social media time, but studies point out that the results of happier, more energized and productive employees will be worth the handout…or at the very least, will be worth giving it a try. What do you think about allowing social media in the workplace?
