Game on!

There seems to be a range of perceptions and stances regarding social media in the workplace: complete ignorance; a vague understanding; prohibition; and utter confusion to name a few. Where does it fit in? Do we need it? How would we use it? Should we ban it? WTFacewhat?

There appears to be two separate issues. Firstly, social networking applications and websites could be deemed a distraction to employees in their daily working lives, which could lead to poor productivity and the sacking of one’s bottom. Secondly, organisations could utilise these same applications and websites to promote their products and services, communicate with their customers and keep tabs on their employees.

There’s no doubting the power of social media but organisations seem slow, or wary in their uptake of the technology. Is there a demographic issue i.e. would a funeral home have a twitter account? Is there a stigma issue i.e. would a snooty law firm have a facebook page? Or is the technology simply moving too fast i.e. is the intelligence of our organisations too low, or more specifically, are the decision makers of our organisations still getting to grips with text messaging?

I’m going to dive into these issues and probably a whole lot more over the next six months, hopefully developing some insights that could offer some value to New Zealand businesses. But I’m going to need HELP because there’s not a lot of prior research out there. HELP! If any of this floats your boat or you know of some good examples from your business let me know - I’ll trade your info for beer, wine or coffee. Confidentiality is assured.

Right now, I need to email my lawyer regarding that last sentence.