Staying Social Media Savvy at Work

Thoughts from an expert

For as long as social media has been around, office managers have asked the question…Should employees be allowed to be on their personal social media accounts during the work day?

Some believe that banning the use of social media is the best way to keep employees focused. While others think allowing it promotes creativity.

With smartphones in everyone’s pockets, it is simply impossible to completely ban all usage. So instead of constantly looking over employees’ shoulders, integrate ways that the office can be interacting and promoting the company online.

In my past role as a social media manager at a company of about 30 employees, my co workers had little to no idea of the happenings on the company’s social media accounts. Some didn’t even follow the company’s pages! As I built the social media strategy for the year, I created campaigns that would allow for the employees online presence to cross over with that of the company’s own social media followers.

For example, during Halloween we gathered the employees together and gave each department a pumpkin to carve. I then took pictures of each pumpkin and posted them onto the company’s Facebook page for the fans to vote for their favorite pumpkin. The pumpkin picture (or department) with the most likes would win a prize. As the page followers began to like the photos, the employees jumped on their accounts and started sharing their pumpkin picture with their friends in order to receive more votes. As the pictures began to spread, so did the company’s brand.

The results were outstanding! Not only did the employees enjoy taking part in the fun activity, but it built such a stronger community between the employees and online fans. The company’s social reach grew exponentially!

The benefits out weigh the cost by far! Avoid wasting time monitoring employees and their social media use. Instead, find ways they can be utilizing it to help the company’s online brand and reputation grow. And it builds great report among the employees!

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Katie Smith is a Social Media Strategist based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She helps small businesses, entrepreneurs, and non-profits establish a successful strategy, content, and social media networks. Smith has over 5 years experience in the social media industry helping B2B & B2C businesses, marketing agencies, small start up businesses, and non-profits establish a strong social media presence, a secure online brand reputation, and a solid stream of new business. Her social media campaigns have won an AAF-ND Silver Addy Award and a Brand Ambassador Award.

Learn more about Katie's products and services at katielsmith.com and follow her on Twitter!