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There has been quite a lot of talk recently about people using social networking sites whilst at work. Some companies seem to consider the only option as banning such sites whereas the TUC argues that sites should be available for use during breaks - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6969791.stm.

It is an interesting debate. Especially in the vcs where such sites are considered a good way for organisations to network.

The additional issue for the sector is the question about whether organisational policies and procedures need to be ammended to reflect these types of sites.

I would be interested to hear people's thoughts and experiences.

Ian Goodman
lasa

Facebook can now be a very useful business tool. We at officetalk have a facebook presence that lets us communicate with over 100 customers.

Regards,
Andy Dale
Information Specialist
Officetalk
Haddons Acre
Station Road, Offenham
Evesham, Worcs
WR11 8JJ
Tel 01386 833 535
Mob 07920445739
Email : andy.dale@office-talk.com
Website : http://www.office-talk.com
Blog : http://andydalesharepoint.blogspot.com/

As comments in the BBC article suggests, guidelines rather than banning is probably the way to go. There is obviously a risk as with anything that staff may abuse the "privilege" but having clear guidelines and monitoring in place should help.

Also, there are charities and non profits using Facebook and other social networking sites in interesting ways for legitimate work reasons. For examples see the article "should your organisation use social networking sites" and related articles on the knowledgebase: http://www.ictknowledgebase.org.uk/socialnetworking

I agree....banning may not be the best solution, but guidelines and monitoring are the way to go. Of course, there's the risk that people may abuse the privilege, but you can always clamp down later.

I advised a genetic disabilities organisation based in a hospital to start a Facebook page because they need to reach out to people with the condition. Then we find out the hospital blocks Facebook. Grr.

Jason King
Nonprofit web design: www.kingjason.co.uk

well social networking sites are usefull for business, but people may abuse of them at work but still I don't think they have to be banned, WEll and a extra comment of social networking sites it's the number of them that we had they are over300 I saw a list about 4 days ago and I just found another one www.urselections.com

There are a couple of good posts on social media staff guidelines here: http://bit.ly/8ywMoJ - Amy Sample Ward's summary of Social media staff guidelines for the International Red Cross Red Crescent (IFRC) - available in full here: http://bit.ly/63cJPH

Aba@Lasa

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Hello,
Banning social networking sites is not a solution to the problem. It will increase the resentment in the minds of the employees. Instead a more feasible and smart use of them should be encouraged.
Business Continuity UK.

Thanks for the responses.

Would be interested to see any good examples of organisations using facebook pages, especially for small organisations as I think this could be really useful.

I think proper use of this medium could be very useful as well, you dont throw the baby out due to problems that can be overcome

Ceo sudoku solver
sudoku solver

As a entrepreneur running your own company this is a very interesting and touchy topic... I for one love what social media is able to do and the knowledge and connections that it gives which is why I was allowing my employees to access all web 2.0 sites at one stage... In saying that, it was meant to be only on breaks, something that several employees never understood. They were browsing whilst on the phone or continually having facebook in the background as a distraction.

Eventually I had to ban these sites... I felt bad for the employees who werent misusing it but unfortunately the reality is that a handful of people often destroys for the majority.

Best, A. M. Sigleton - Affilo Jetpack