Depending on where you work, the use of social media may be encouraged or discouraged.
In workplaces where there are no strict regulations against using mobile devices during work hours, surveys indicate that many employees use time on their devices as a mental break. Mental breaks increase productivity and alertness, which is extremely important when working.
Some also use their social media to check in with friends and family, solve work-related problems, or build connections with the people they work with. However, not very surprisingly, it can also be considered extremely distracting and a waste of time and money.
Studies from the Pew Research Center showed that 56% of workers believed that the use of social media improved their work ethic, while 22% found it to be detrimental. The outliers included the 16% that felt it had no impact and the 4% that believed social media was both beneficial and a hindrance.
So, does social media have a positive or negative effect on your productivity at work?
Well, it really depends on how you use it. Use the power of social media to your advantage! Of course, it’s easier said than done.
If you don’t slack off on your work, you could find great ways to incorporate social media into your work life.
Creating an account on Instagram or Twitter for your office would allow you to get the word out through well-known means of communication. You could promote your business or find some new talent. Or you could make a YouTube video to advertise your goals or inform your audience about the services you have to offer.
Anything that can be used to interact with your listeners, use it. Social media provides the opportunity to reach large audiences, while also promoting diversity and inclusion.
And there’s nothing wrong with checking up on a couple of your friends or family members. Social media can improve your work ethic when used for mental breaks. Just make sure that your quick five-minute break doesn’t turn into a thirty-minute scrolling session through videos of cats.
Lampe, C., Olmstead, K., Ellison, N. B. (2016, June 22). Social media and the workplace. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.org/2016/06/22/social-media-and-the-workplace/
