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Social Media in the Workplace Costs Businesses Billions in Time Wasted

New research reveals that social media is on the rise in the workplace with millions of workers wasting hours adding friends, uploading photos and tweeting
Technology - 8 September 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Dr Steve Garnett| Login to Download

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New research reveals that social media is on the rise in the workplace, with nearly half (46%) of workers using social media at work on a daily basis. 2 million workers admit wasting more than an hour everyday adding friends, uploading pictures, videos and tweeting.

Lost productivity at work due to social media is costing British businesses as much as £14 billion a year, but despite this only 14% of employees believe they are less productive as a result of social media.

Over a third of employees feel they suffer from information overload at work, yet two thirds of workers would oppose a ban on social networking. 74% of those under 35 said they get some business benefit from the information they receive from social media, while only 52% of those 35 and older feel the same way.

. Introduction:

Social media is on the rise in the workplace with millions of workers admitting to wasting more than an hour everyday adding friends, uploading pictures and tweeting online. The online trend could be costing British businesses billions of pounds a year due to a loss in productivity and by becoming increasingly connected online; many workers are suffering from information overload. However, the younger generation of UK workers appear to using social media for more than their own amusement, with the majority of employees under the age of 35 claiming to get some business benefit from the online tool.

So, is social media becoming a help or a hindrance for British businesses?

Joining us to discuss this further is Dr Steve Garnett, a technology expert from Salesforce.com.

. Suggested Questions:

What does the research reveal about working habits in our area?

Why is social media on the rise in the workplace?

What are the risks associated with employees using social media?

Why do younger employees feel they get more business benefit from social media than the older generation?

How can employees use social media to their advantage?

Where can we find out more information?