With the constant release of new technologies in the consumer market, the use of social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and others has become completely inherent to the daily lives of most people. However, along with these innovations, a new problem arises: establishing limits to their use.
Users are finding it increasingly difficult to disconnect from the virtual world, even while at work. There's no denying that social networks have brought significant advances in interpersonal relationships, as well as increasing networks, content flow, and information exchange. However, along with these innovations have come some problems related to internet use, so it's necessary to know how to moderate access to these tools so that productivity is not compromised.
But is simply blocking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram enough to keep the team focused and free from distractions? There are many other websites that can distract employees, so it's impossible to block access to each and every source of distraction. Furthermore, allowing short relaxation breaks throughout the workday can increase levels of attention and productivity.
Clear strategies must be established to determine the company's stance regarding access to social media. Learn what actions to take in relation to this issue:
Set access times
Adopting a more tolerant stance can be a way to use controlled access to social media to increase company productivity. However, to prevent abuse, it is necessary to establish rules such as specific times, maximum access time limits, or even provide tips for conscious and safe internet use . Lunchtime and late afternoon periods are good options, or even a 20-minute break during the shift for rest. In this way, the difficulty in guaranteeing complete restriction can be replaced by stipulating rules and usage limits.
Give suggestions for conduct
If it is established that access will be granted, provide employees with some guidelines, such as an internet usage policy within the company to ensure that distractions do not compromise productivity. Suggest, for example, disabling notifications to reduce curiosity and anxiety about checking received messages. Also recommend that employees select a few social media platforms of interest from among all those available; having profiles on many social networks can impair focus on work and even other activities, such as studies.
The use of cell phones in the workplace should also be a point to consider when giving recommendations to employees. Because with the evolution of internet connectivity, the main function of cell phones has become checking emails, using instant messaging programs, apps, and social networks. Furthermore, the use of personal cell phones and the internet is at the top of the list of the 10 habits that most compromise employee productivity in the workplace . In some cases, cell phone use can lead to dismissal for just cause . To avoid such situations, guide your team on responsible cell phone use.
Learn how to use social media to boost team productivity
Although networks can compromise employee performance in some cases, various functions within them can be used to organize and increase productivity in companies. The sales department, for example, can be compromised if access is blocked, since many deals are currently closed online.
The speed of information exchange and the absence of intermediaries are the main advantages for teams that use messaging tools like Skype, for example. Furthermore, constant contact between employees, even if one of them is out of the office, can even lead to an acceleration in meeting goals, since activities don't stagnate due to the absence of one member of the work group.
Maintaining team engagement and demonstrating to employees how to use social media effectively and without abuse are the secrets to improving productivity and service quality!
Have social media positively or negatively impacted your team's productivity? Share your thoughts with us!
