Editor’s note: This article was first published in November 2010, and its picture of Spanish workplaces (closing Facebook or Twitter when the boss walks in) and the first dismissals over social media reflect that year. Twitter is now X.
Social media can be a major source of distraction at work, but as we have discussed many times, it can also be the best ally for our company’s image. It is a matter of approach and mindset.
In Spain, workers rush to close Facebook, Twitter or whatever network they are logged into the moment the boss walks through the door. In some countries, though, social media is just another work tool, and some companies, while not making it mandatory, strongly recommend it.
The first dismissals over social media use at work have already happened, although I would say they were caused less by use than by misuse. One was the case of a young woman who said she was “fed up” with her company; the comment was shared until it reached her boss. Others posted photos of themselves having fun while they were on sick leave.
That said, if a company changes its mindset and trains its employees in the use of social media at work, those employees could balance their personal affairs and the company’s interests very well.
Every company wants to be known, so companies have the option of having their employees send the company’s own offers or products to their contacts, creating that much-desired viral effect. They should also teach their employees to communicate with people at other companies, which could become allies and share experiences with each other.
Used well, social media can be a great weapon for reaching many more users. As we said at the beginning, it is a matter of mindset.
Although in Spain there is no law under which you can be fired for using social media during working hours, it is also true that anything the company considers a distraction and a failure to do your job can end in a justified dismissal.
Further reading
Featured image: Zekie The Geek, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
