Abstract
This paper focuses on the topic of social media utilization in workplace environments and how it can have beneficial effects for a company. It details the advantages and disadvantages of the practice, what applications can be utilized and what outcomes can be expected.
Memorandum
- To: The CEO
- From: (PLACE NAME HERE)
- Subject: Using Social Media Applications in the Workplace
- Date: June 16, 2015
Over the years social media applications have become increasingly popular as an easily utilized and low cost method of communication for employees within a company (Trott, 2014). This helps to address the inherent need for companies to create a better working environment for its employees that fosters open communication and collaboration.
Brief Summary of Social Media Options – Rationale for Selecting Proposal
At the present, there are numerous social media options to choose from ranging from online messengers, blogs, online forums, popular websites such as Facebook and Twitter or even social media applications that can be utilized on phones. Many of these choices are ideal for the company since they are low cost or even free options.
Advantages and Disadvantages
One of the advantages with the implementation of social media in the workplace is that it allows better communication and collaboration between not only different team members but also individuals from other departments. This largely informal means of communication makes asking questions far easier, especially in cases when a low level employee is inquiring about a subject to an upper level manager (Hearing & Ussery, 2012). Through this greater ease of vertical and horizontal communication, this enables company processes to operate more smoothly and thus lessen problems that occur due to miscommunication or confusion regarding proper implementation. On the other end of the spectrum, one of the potential disadvantages when it comes to social media use in the workplace comes in the form of potential drops in worker efficiency due to procrastination. Since social media usage would be allowed, this could result in workers allocating company time and resources towards nonsensical activities (i.e. talking to their friends) instead of concentrating on their respective tasks in the company (Hamer, 2013).
Comparing and Contrasting Two Types of Social Media
There are several social media options that we can choose from when it comes to our present day operations. One of the first and most widely utilized comes in the form of Facebook and its picture and messaging service (Facebook, n.d.). Employees within a company could simply add their co-workers and managers via their Facebook accounts and this would allow them to communicate and collaborate with each other no matter their location or distance (Brice, Fifer & Naron, 2012). They would be able to share files, send messages instantly as well as call each other using Facebook’s Facetime application that allows VOIP (Voice Over IP) calls. Another potential social media application that could be utilized comes in the form of online forums (Hall & Lewis, 2014). Online forums act as a method where subjects or issues can be presented with employees being able to give their recommendations on how to resolve an issue or their own experiences having the same problem (Trott, 2014).
Supporting my Recommendation – Description of the intended action and the anticipated results
It is based on what has been presented that I advocate social media use be integrated into our workplace environment as a means of communication and collaboration since it is a relatively free service that allows multiple individuals from different departments, locations and even countries to communicate, share ideas and do so in a manner that is cost free to the company (Google, n.d.).
Costs involved, including materials, personnel, and resources
The overall costs involved in this type of action is negligible since most social media applications are free and, as such, its application within the company does not require any resources aside from computers that are already in use.
Timeline
The timeline for implementation is negligible since it can be implemented easily via the use of online browsers (ex: Firefox).
Reference List
Brice, R., Fifer, S., & Naron, G. (2012). Social Media in the Workplace: The NLRB Speaks. Intellectual Property & Technology Law Journal, 24(10), 13-17.
Facebook. (2015). Facebook About Us. Web.
Google. (2015). Google About Us. Web.
Hall, R., & Lewis, S. (2014). Managing Workplace Bullying and Social Media Policy: Implications for Employee Engagement. Academy Of Business Research Journal, 1(1), 1128-138.
Hamer, S. (2013). Creating an Effective Workplace Social Media Policy. HR Focus, 90(10), 17.
Hearing, G. A., & Ussery, B. C. (2012). The Times Are Changing: The Impact of Technology and Social Media on the Public Workplace. Florida Bar Journal, 86(3), 35-39.
Trott, L. (2014). Social Media in the Workplace. Credit Control, 35(2), 23.