On June 12, 2012, Xenium’s partner, PayScale, posted an infographic about policies regarding social media use in the workplace. Tripp Ritter of PayScale writes that some industries are more prone to embrace social media than others, many businesses have implemented policies regarding social media, and still many others are working to prevent employee access entirely.
Among the various bits of information, one fact in the infographic was particularly interesting; PayScale notes that “2 of 5 Gen Y workers rate social media access above receiving a higher salary.”
Generation Y, people born in the early 1980s to 2000s (though his varies by definition), tends to be much more tech savvy than other generations. They have a natural inclination to use and be familiar with social media. For many, social media is part of their daily routine. Because of this, the fact that 40% of people in this generation want access to it at their workplace shouldn’t surprise anyone that much.
However, isn’t this statistic indicative of the productivity-potential of the generation? One can easily understand allowing access to social media during breaks or lunch (many companies actually bar this too however, if it occurs on company computers). But, this statistic sounds as if the generation desires having regular access to their Facebook account throughout their workday, perhaps giving a quick glance their feed every now and then to see how their friends are doing at their jobs.
To curb any problems, employers should develop a clear policy in their handbook regarding the use of their technology and social media in their workplace. Such a policy could encourage productivity and focus while at the same time providing employees the deserved autonomy and ability to self-supervise.
