According to recent research by Payscale, 42% of employers say no to the use of social media in the workplace. Although the attitudes of higher-ups vary from industry to industry, overall most are currently unfavorable to the use of social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter in the workplace. Employer's preference to not allow the use of social media stems from the fear that too much social media freedom can ultimately jeopardize their company. The study found that nearly half of all companies (42%) have forbid all social media activity at work, and believe it should be reserved for managing brands, promotion and recruiting. The fear that negative information about a company could be exposed on social media, yet only half of the companies have a formal social media policy in place, and 42% of companies nix all forms of social media.
When you consider that two out of every five Gen Y workers say they would rate access to social media at work above receiver a higher salary, it is obvious employers need to re-evaluate their attitudes on social media. As our world changes and the use of social media becomes a more prominent, integrated part of our everyday lives, employers are going to have to re-consider their options. A report previously done by Cisco stated that 64% of college students would ask about the use of social media in the workplace during their interview. Out of the 2,800 college students and recent graduates surveyed, 56 per cent said they would refuse to work at a company that bans social media. This not only shows the changing mindset of young professionals, but it's evidence that companies need to be more aware of what new employees expect from them.
This infographic from Payscale takes a closer look at what employers
like - and don't like - about social media. What are your thoughts? Would you
work at a company that banned the use of social media?
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