Social Media Matters: Are You Using SM For Business Or Pleasure?
I was recently told by a small business owner that his employee told him he expects at least 25% of his day to be on social media. This would be a somewhat normal statement if the employee had worked as a Social Media Manager or even in Public Relations. Rather, this employee works with big wrenches, boilers, pressure valves and diesel trucks.
My friend the business owner was taken back by the amount of Social Media Time he was now paying for. In fact, their company had never had a Social Media Policy until this past month.
"I don't want to get to far into the weeds with this, but I wonder how many welders or pipe fitters have told their boss they expect 25% of their day to be on social media," said the small business owner to me off-the-record.
On one hand, Social Media has become the new Meta Water Cooler and Tabloid News Stand, while on the other hand, real business and communications are happening in and on the world of Social Media.
Which is your business doing? What behavior is your employees engaging in? Many companies have implemented Social Media Policies to establish what their professional culture will be like. This creates clear rules, examples and policies for employees' Social Media Behaviors while at work, or while representing your business after hours online.
On the flip side of the employee, there are now an increasing number of viral videos of people quitting their employment or venting frustrations over their "toxic" workplace culture. Negative Viral Videos can do much more damage than one can image, for example, the loss of business, employee moral declines, public relations issues and the potential of lawsuits.
All because you allowed your employee time on Social Media while they are at work.
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