Should you block Facebook at work?

funfunfun_2

Some companies do it because it's considered an entertainment site, security hazard, or something not work-related. Other companies consider Facebook an essential part of marketing-- to network with others. What do you think?

Badger_Lady

I think it entirely depends on the organisation culture. Which is something you need to carefully design - otherwise you'll end up with staff abusing what they have.

The ideal is to craft a culture where staff feel empowered and accountable for their own work... they spend the company money as if it were their own, and they take risks where they think the risk is worth taking. They each have a firm idea of their own responsibility and will not think twice about working extra hours to get something done (or about going home early when the opportunity arises).

These people should have access to Facebook. They will use it to communicate with other people in their company, or indeed outside. They may find opportunities for expanding the business, by noticing the adverts and trends that everyone else in the country can see (Twitter is particularly good for that).

As soon as you start blocking these things, putting in audits and rules... that's when people start to find loopholes in the system so they can rebel against it. That's when they start sitting on their haunches and waiting for instructions.

Robin_T_Cox

If you want to use social media for work, then LinkedIn and Twitter are better choices. Facebook is best used for personal stuff.

Georgiexxx

The way my company manages it is to block the site outside lunch time. I agree that Twitter is much better for work related networking, in fact, I'm now a convert to Twitter because its such an easy way to keep up with what's going on in other organisations. Facebook is for personal stuff. Not had a reason to get into Linkedin

calvin.84

Depends on the company usage. But to increase productivity its best to block during office hours.

Lil306

YES

As far as I'm concerned it's a waste of time. There's always some invites to stupid groups, or people spend all day playing those farmville and other crap games.

Lil306

Georgiexxx wrote: »

The way my company manages it is to block the site outside lunch time. I agree that Twitter is much better for work related networking, in fact, I'm now a convert to Twitter because its such an easy way to keep up with what's going on in other organisations. Facebook is for personal stuff. Not had a reason to get into Linkedin

This is a better thought on site management, block access to only lunch times.. or restrict ALL access to internet until lunch. Would be a load more productive :cool:

Richie-from-the-Boro

If any company provides an opportunity for people to avoid work, don't be surprised if they do.

All / including lunchtime / inappropriate use of company assets raises costs and lowers productivity. All non work net access should be blocked / logged and should be written into the CofE & Procedure Manual as a disciplinary offence for those who navigate around the block. Most people would not steal from their employer but they would spend an hour of time the company is paying an hourly rate for on the net - what's the difference ?

If you want to chat on the net in work hours, buy your own company.

eamon

My employer blocks all social networking sites, streaming sites and all the usual others unless you can demonstrate a business need for access. I think this is fair. Less than 10 years ago none of these sites existed and the world didn't end.

scotsbob

How do you block people accessing the Internet on their mobile telephones?

calvin.84

scotsbob wrote: »

How do you block people accessing the Internet on their mobile telephones?

Good catch :T