Social Media Governance Remains a Challenge for Many!  An overview of considerations for effective management September 2010 While at work......  Employees are spending significant amounts of time on social networking sites  Employees are playing games and "chatting" with their "friends" On average, an employee spends 30 minutes a day on such sites!! If you consider the number of employees you have and the time spent on such sites, some management control needs to be considered. What can we do?   Identify appropriate positions that should be responsible for your social media sites and provide access only to those individuals Make it clear to all employees who can and cannot work on such sites during work hours Set up some clear policies related to the process of review and posting of information Set up guidelines on how your business wants to use such sites Avoid casual approaches to communication on such sites "Police" or should I say "be sure to govern" use   There is  not only a significant amount of time lost but tremendous openness to liability if communications are such that are unlawful and/or offensive in some manner!  Don't Fear Using Social Media  It is here to stay.  It has tremendous advantages.  It is worth the time to take and review how your business uses Social Media. Set up strategic initiatives on how you could utilize it for maximum benefit. Keep it professional.    Some effective uses are : Marketing Improved communications Time efficient Cost effective Recruitment Reaching those that are utilizing techonology which is the majority of businesses etc etc Management Considerations Watch for:  Productivity issues  Bullying  Harassment  Confidentiality  Privacy  Crossing the lines of professional/management relationships  Potential for perceived Discrimination  Friend/unfriending and how this affects relationships  at work   Consider the following:  Provides rights for the participants  Define your organization's view related to integrity and ethical behaviors of participants  Be sure they fully understand the policy(ies) related to acceptable use  Define roles and responsibilities for implementation Protect the interests of all stakeholders Be sure you have a policy  Be sure your handbook covers the policy and expectations Be sure communications are clear and policies consistently enforced   Social Media is here to stay, use it "wisely"!!! Call or email me if you  need assistance in writing a Social Media Policy! Warmest Regards, Jeannine   Jeannine Brown Miller, MA, SPHR Principal Consultant JBM Consulting

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