It’s Here! Social Media Chit Chat

There is no doubt that there has been a rapid increase in the popularity of social networking websites such as Twitter, Facebook and Google+.

They offer many benefits to their users, including connecting with new people, they provide the ability to share ideas and opinions with likeminded people either individually or via groups, keeping in touch with friends and family is made simple, and allows users to share photos and video clips. They are user-friendly, generally free to use and provide a real time window to talk to people.

What has also proven to be important when it comes to using social media is that it has become a hugely successful communication tool for businesses, who are very quickly jumping on the ‘band wagon’. For businesses, social networking helps them reach out to potential customers, it allows them to promote themselves and acts as a unique avenue for letting everybody know their latest news and successes.

What is interesting though, is the rise in ‘Employee Activism’ as a result of the popularity of social networking. A recent study carried out by Weber Shandwick, described these ‘Employee Activists’ as people who draw attention to their place of work, shield their employers from criticism and stick up for them, and act as an all-round advocate for their organisation.

What the Weber Shandwicks study also revealed is that social media is vital to employee engagement and discovered that 50% of employees post messages, pictures or videos on social networking sites about their employer and of those over a third had shared compliments or positive comments about them.

However, 16% weren’t so positive with their comments and this is something employers need to be prepared for.

Of course, the best way to reduce the risk of negative comments about the brand by employees on social media is to strive to achieve high levels of employee engagement and happiness.

Happy workers, who are engaged in the work they do, are more likely to speak highly of who they work for and become valuable advocates.

If you would like to know more about how to gauge the level of employee engagement in your business, then go ahead and give us a call on +44 (0) 1255 850051 or feel free to complete our online web form.