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Loading ...Why Can’t I Check MySpace?
I'm sure you've heard it around the office. MySpace, Facebook, and all the other social networking sites out there are being blocked at the office, and for good reason. Many employees don't understand that there is more to risk than just a lack of employee production.
This news story goes on to say, "Their chief concern is the potential damage from viruses or spyware, according to Barracuda. They cited the potential drain on employee productivity as a close second. What's more, employers will tell you that bandwidth issues and potential liability exposure are also convincing reasons to restrict certain Internet access by employees."
From an employers view, there are too many potential money eaters in the equation to allow employees to waste away on the internet. If you want to be social at work, get to know a fellow employee while working on a project.
Posted January 25th, 2008 by admin - Posted in Human Resources, Productivity | |
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on January 25th, 2008 at 10:19 am
[…] post by Matt Sawyer Similar Posts “The Office†- An Obsessed Fan Alt Social Networking Sites - Beyond Facebook, […]
on January 25th, 2008 at 10:26 am
i dont know why this computer is blocked from myspace and all of my friends know the secert to by pass that and they be on myspace schiiter chating with there friends and i am jus ttrying to find away to get on my page/myspace with out going ot www.myspace.com because its bloked
on January 25th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Matt, I am no computer expert but we are exposed to just as many viruses and “potential money eaters” by employees sending emails in the office and not propoerly screening the attatchments that they open. I doubt that the virus is the main reason these site are banned. I am sure Don can comment on this more than I can and prove me wrong.
I do agree with you 100% that these sites can bring down productivity and can waste precious hours of an already unproductive employee.
I do disagree to some extent on other areas. The internet has changed the business community in so many ways. Sites like these are used HEAVILY by corporations and businesses alike to market their products and advertise, gain consumer loyalty, bradning and even to search for potential new employee candidates. Social netowkring is a multi billion dollar industry and I have attended seminars on using site like this in the business world to find top talent and to avoid hiring potential liabilities.
Who want to hire the guy that looks good on paper and has a great interview but has pictures hitting his bong and doing keg stands on his myspace page? Which do you think will cost the employer more?
Many of these social networking sites aften allow the free exchange of business ideas in group setting where other business professionals can exchange referrals and make recommendation on certain people to use or not use. As a sales person, I personally have created additinal revenue for CBR by networking on a social site and gaining new business and increasing CBR’s credibility through an online presense in these communities.
I don’t think that EVERY employee should have access to these sites. I am a big fan of employer using site like these to gather additional information about their potential candidates and take a glimpse into the lifestyle of the star employee that your about to hire.
Keep in mind, I am advocating the right to have certain employees based on their responsibilites (managers, executive team, sales) have access to information like this.
I don’t think certain types of employees based on their responsibilites shold be able to network with their friends on sites like this. If sales or management are using these sites to gather more information for sales leads or investigation of the habits of a potential new hire then I am all for it.
It’s a tough question-
Do I block site like this for everyone due to “bandwidth issues”and “virus protection” or do I allow key staff to use a tool like this responsibliy for business purposes.?
BTW…Blogging is a form of social media embraced by the business community. I think as time goes on people will change their perception on using social media in the workplace.
For those interested in getting some tips on using myspace to promote your business check out this link
http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/may2007/sb20070508_239968.htm?chan=search