Mediaboss Marketing

We often are asked if it is possible to block or control employee use of social media and digital communication. The technical answer is yes, but the follow-up question is: Why would you want to go through the trouble?

Instant messaging, Facebook, LinkedIn and other forms of digital communication and social media regularly are used by todays best and brightest employees and they would just as soon find a new job than give up their way of life.

This is just one issue associated with finding, managing and incentivizing a new generation of workers. This new workforce is the most technically adept age group to enter the workplace, and their approach to work, pay and quality of life is significantly different from their older peers. Because of this, a new set of management tools and human resource strategies will be necessary to attract and retain this valuable pool of talent.

The business use of social media and alternate means of digital communication is growing. I dont know of any company that is not thinking about how they can best leverage these technologies to help grow their business, attract talent and increase productivity.

Lets take a look at a few ways that these tools and the new generation of workers are influencing the way business is done today.

Hiring: The traditional methods of advertising job openings are being replaced or enhanced by the use of social media. Posting a help-wanted ad on an electronic job board may attract a few candidates, but the existence of the post is enhanced by using social media to find potential candidates.

The instant communication and the speed at which news of a new job opening can travel though social sites can help uncover great candidates that may not be actively looking.

Managing: Working 9 to 5 is out. The new normal is working when it is convenient and when work does not get in the way of life. Its not that the latest generation hates the regimented work routine, they just dont get it. They want to work whenever they can from wherever they are. Building the technology, processes and capabilities to enable flexible work schedules and virtual office capabilities will help attract and retain talent.

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Incentivizing: Its not that money and the job are not important, they are just not more important that life. With a flexible work environment and incentives tied to productivity and creativity, it is much easier to motivate the younger generation of employees.

Originally posted here:
Embracing social media helps businesses