Perils of Facebook at work...
August 30, 2007 1:37 PM
Listening to the wireless this morning it was apparent a new evil pervades the PCs and handhelds of our nation. Facebook is an evil, unnecessary, socially networky thing which is unwanted and shunned by the employers of our nation.
Or is it?
Sure there are things which may not be suitable for work.
But maybe there are some advantages too.
Groups allow people to discuss etc, but also to find out more about different organisations. The same kind of things were discussed about blogs in the early days. The Ex-Google blog was criticised as it gave the warts and all approach to describing the corporate environment. But it also disclosed a unique culture with so many rich and entertaining stories. It only added to the job hunters wishing to join in such a culture. Some people don't mind finding out some of the bad before joining an organisation. It can actually be a weapon in retention. When things do go wrong, it is not altogether unexpected.
And people have discussed the team splitting nature of facebook. Apparently "People" making comments which may be unsuitable between colleagues. Could these colleagues not also make those comments in a pub, or on a normal email? Are we crediting the British workforce with such little intelligence and trust? If "people" are inclined to makes such comments, isn't facebook just the tool for doing so, and not the reason why...?
So as long as everyone is not spending all of their time on facebook (same can be said about myspace, bebo, gambling sites or any fun / leisure website) then we are OK. Aren't we?
"People" watch what you are up to at work apparently
Well sort of. A decent visible culture and policy, based on trust is probably key. And if employees ask advice on using facebook, it is probably advisable to keep ultra sensitive information in the domain of private circles of friends.
Oh, and has anyone else noticed that it is quite visible when someone is online whilst using social networrk sites like Facebook and Myspace? Therefore if there are lots of entries during worktime... I suppose it's bit like writing a blog in worktime.
Comments
Seen this on Facebook earlier ...
"David is at working reading online blogs about Perils of Facebook at work..."
David Booker - September 3, 2007 5:16 PM
Ha Joe! I almost messaged you to ask you why your on facebook then. :>D I dont think I would ever invite any "work people" onto my facebook network, they will definately find out more than they or I want them to know! At least you get paid to Blogg :>)
Bianca - September 3, 2007 7:33 PM
Hi, I think there is a way to hide your on-line status from other people; check through your settings. You can also prevent your feed from showing when you've commented on others walls, or which groups you have joined etc.
Paul - September 11, 2007 10:48 PM
he he he. That first comment amused me. So we found the other three people who read the blog!
I am on facebook as I think it is great. I managed to get in contact with some old friends as a result. Also, having moved a long way away from my "homies" back in the Midlands it is a great way of keeping in touch.
Because it has been so effective it is necessary as a HR Manager to realise that there are people who will abuse it and who will be on it a lot at work. You could ban it I suppose, but it would mean banning a lot more besides.
Thanks Paul, for telling everyone at Jobsite the way to avoid prying eyes!
Joe Mc - September 13, 2007 1:01 PM