Management Tip of the Day: Encourage the Use of Social Media at Work

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile FEBRUARY 3, 2010 Encourage the Use of Social Media at Work Most organizations limit or frown upon the use of social media in the workplace. Understandably, leaders have nightmarish visions of their employees wasting hours on Facebook and Twitter. But reasonable employee use of social media has actually been shown to benefit companies. Here are three reasons to let your employees get connected: More attractive workplace. Many people, especially younger generations, see social media as a staple of work life and seek out employers who understand and acknowledge the critical role these new technologies play in our world. Improved productivity. Research has shown that employees who take breaks to surf the internet for fun are ultimately more productive than their surf-adverse colleagues. More engaged workforce. Employees not only appreciate companies that allow them to check Facebook at work, but they also use social media to connect with colleagues, improve communication, and speed up decision making processes — all of which helps them engage with their work and the organization. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "The Über-Connected Organization: A Mandate for 2010" by Jeanne C Meister and Karie Willyerd. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT Community Relations 2.0 Harvard Business Review Article Before the internet, organizations had far more time to monitor and respond to community activity, but that luxury is gone, leaving them in dire need of a coherent outreach strategy, fresh skills, and adaptive tactics. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: MUST READS HBR's Must-Reads on Leadership HBR's Must-Reads on Managing Yourself HBR's Must-Reads on Strategy HBR's Must-Reads on Managing People HBR's Must-Reads on Change PREVIOUS TIPS 3 Tips for Masterful Decision-Making Forget Breakthroughs: Take Innovation Baby Steps 3 Tips to Avoid Wasting Time Online Be a Better Listener How to Set Up a Growth Group 3 Steps for Asking for Help without Looking Stupid Get Creative by Zoning Out How to Manage Your Pet Peeve 4 Tips for Deciding Whether to Accept a Project How to Approach a Colleague Who Is Making Mistakes HBR Online Trial Access HBR's in-depth business archives FREE for 14 days. Register today » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 1-800-545-7685 (617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)