Social media usage harming workplace productivity survey finds
Social media usage harming workplace productivityA survey has found that social media usage is harming the levels of productivity within the workplace.
The survey carried out by news navigator www.onenewspage.com and participated in by over 1000 people across the US and UK has found that almost four in ten (39%) use social network sites such as Twitter and Facebook during work hours while 26% admitted to spending more than an hour a day using social networking sites on matters that were not work related.
Despite this, 45% of respondents said that their bosses should be monitoring other people’s online habits more closely.
Cary Cooper, professor of organisational psychology and health at Lancaster University, commented:” I suspect there’s more than one reason why staff are using social networking sites at work. Of course, there will always be people who take advantage, but bear in mind that employees in the States and the UK work very long hours, so they have to spend some time while at work to organise their lives.
“Also, with both economies still coming out of recession, I suspect some staff might be a little underutilised. They put in long hours to show commitment and because they feel they might lose their job if they don’t. Also, for the very busy, using these sites is a good stress reliever; it can take the pressure off for a few moments before they start work again.”
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Comments
Disagree entirely with this piece. Social media is here to stay, it's informative, inspiring and for those working in digital environments a necessary research and insight tool.
What are you disagreeing with Anon 12:11? This piece doesn't say anything about social media going anywhere!
While Twitter can be a great tool for accessing creative content and inspiration I really, REALLY hate it when I see colleagues using Facebook at work as it's pretty obvious they're doing sod all when I see that on their screen.
I am surprised it is so few
How are they defining social media. Surely this site is social media, as I have the ability to comment and interact. Is this harming my productivity?
Depends how many comments you're leaving doesn't it anon 12:50?
Facebook is not productive , twitter however has lead to me to inspiration / learning on a good few occasions, although prob depends on who / what you follow. Its here to stay, so either block the websites or have a fair use policy.
I've done quite a bit of business through Twitter, and use it everyday whilst at work - which is also heavily promoted by our company. Facebook on the other hand is a load of rubbish for business.
Facebook should be controlled in the work environment. Twitter can be a great creative resource if used professionally. While I'm on my soapbox – talking about football and surfing football-related websites should also be banned.
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