While social networking sites like Facebook or Twitter can take the heat for being time sucks and productivity reducers, the social network format can actually be highly effective when used properly in a work environment. In fact, private social networking, which is social networking internal to a particular organization, is rapidly gaining popularity in the business sector.
You may or may not be aware of some of the productivity benefits of having your own private social network. Take a minute to learn a little more about some ways enterprise social networking can enhance your organization’s productivity:
- Easy Sharing of Documents, Information, and Links
While Google is by far the most effective tool for finding the information you need, it’s also far from perfect. How many times have you searched on a fairly narrow topic, only to be returned results that didn’t even come close to answering your question? Unfortunately, even at work, it can sometimes be impossible to find the document you are looking for, or the subject matter expert.
Very often it’s more productive to simply ask your question to a few coworkers who can provide you with the right resource much faster than if you would have searched for it on your own. And, a private social network allows you to ask many people at once (and in the context of specific work-related topics) greatly enhancing the chances you will find the right answer to your question.
- Instant Communication Across Offices and Distant Geographical Locations
Say you need a particular document from a particular coworker. In the past, you could have shot them an e-mail, and then who knows what happens? The e-mail could get lost in the shuffle, or you might engage in a back-and-forth trying to communicate what it is you actually need.
A private social network allows for instantaneous communication, minimizing inefficiencies brought on previously by phone and e-mail communication. Instant communication also allows employees to have casual conversations, which can help them cope more effectively with the daily stress of work and enhance their productivity.
- A Stronger Team-Based Mentality is Created
It’s hard to create a team-based atmosphere when you have multiple members on the same team working from different distant physical locations. In the past, you had to use e-mail and the telephone to stay in communication.
But, remember all the delays and misunderstandings that occur. The e-mail might get lost. A person may have a full voicemail box, or simply may not even check their voicemail. Or, they may get sidetracked by other tasks and forget to respond entirely.
With a private social network, those inefficiencies and disruptions in communication are minimized. When team members are able to stay in touch easier, they build a stronger bond.
Also, if they commit to something or are assigned to a task publicly, they now have a high degree of accountability to follow through. Additional workplace accountability is always a good thing.
Used Right, Social Networking is a Great Asset in the Workplace
Any workplace tool can be used or misused. When operated properly, a private social network greatly enhances your employees’ workplace productivity.
What tool do you use in your office to communicate and share information with co-workers? Share with a comment below!
