From the new technologies launched all the time in the consumer market, the use of social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, among others, is totally inherent in the daily life of most people. But along with these innovations, a new problem is born: setting limits to its use.
Users are increasingly difficult to detach themselves from the virtual universe, including while in the workplace. There is no denying that social networks have brought major advances in interpersonal relationships, as well as increasing the network of contacts, content flow and information exchange. However, along with innovations there were also some problems related to the use of the internet, so you need to know how to access such tools, so that productivity is not compromised.
But is just blocking sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram enough to keep the team focused and away from distractions? There are several other sites that can disperse employees, so it is impossible to bar access any and all rambling points. Also, allowing small relaxation breaks throughout the office can increase the levels of attention and productivity.
It is necessary to establish clear strategies to determine the company's posture regarding access to social networks. Know that attitudes take on this question:
Set access schedules
Adopting a more tolerant posture can be a way to use controlled access to social networks as a way to increase company productivity. However, so that there is no abuse, you must establish rules such as specific times, maximum access time limit or also available tips for conscious and safe use of the internet . Lunch and late afternoon periods are a good option or 20 minutes apart during the shift for rest. Thus, the difficulty in ensuring a complete restriction can be replaced by stipulating rules and limits of use.
Give suggestions of conduct
If it is established that access will be released, provide employees with some guidelines, such as an Internet use policy in companies so that distraction does not compromise productivity. It suggests, for example, that notifications are disabled, reducing curiosity and anxiety to verify the messages received. It also recommends that employees select some social networks in their interest, among all existing, having a profile on many social networks can hurt focus on work and even other activities, such as studies.
The use of mobile phone in the company should also be a point to be taken into account in the recommendations to employees. Because with the evolution of the connectivity of devices with the internet, the main function of mobile phones became the use of services to check emails, instant communication programs, applications and social networks. In addition, the use of personal and internet mobile phone is at the top of the list of 10 habits that most compromise the productivity of professionals in the workplace . In some cases the use of the mobile phone may lead to dismissal for just cause . To avoid situations like this, guide your team about use to be performed responsibly.
Learn how to use social networks in favor of team productivity
Although, in some cases, networks can compromise workers' performance, various functions present in them can be used to organize and increase productivity in companies. The sales department, for example, may be compromised if access is blocked, as many businesses are currently closed by the web.
The speed of information exchange and absence of intermediaries is the main gains of teams using messaging tools like Skype, for example. In addition, the constant contact between employees, even if one of them is out of office, can even generate a acceleration in compliance with goals, since the activities are not stagnant due to the absence of one of the elements of the working group.
Maintaining team engagement and demonstrating to the employee ways to use social networks in a profitable and abuse, are the secrets to improving productivity and quality of service!
Has social networks affect your team's productivity positively or negatively? Share your opinion with us!
