Social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook allow people to communicate more easily, but many companies are placing restrictions on how employees use these service at work, according to a new survey by Robert Half Technology.

Nearly forty percent (38%) of chief information officers (CIOs) have put in place stricter social networking policies, more than twice the number (17%) who say they have relaxed the rules.

A larger percentage (23%) of technology executives are reining in personal use of social media than are placing limits on social media use for business (15%). A previous study found more than half (55%) of companies have social networking policies that ban the use of social networking altogether.

“The challenge for companies is balancing the benefits of social media in the workplace with the risks,” said Dave Willmer, executive director of Robert Half Technology.

“Firms are evaluating how to help employees use social networks to keep pace with developments in their industries, stay connected with business contacts and promote their organizations without sacrificing information security or employee productivity.”

CIOs were asked, “As social networking has become more of a business tool, how have you had to re-evaluate your IT policies surrounding its use by employees in your company?”

More strict with respect to personal use 23%
More strict with respect to business use 15%
More lenient with respect to business use 10%
More lenient with respect to personal use 7%
No change 55%
Don’t know/no answer 2%

“There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to social networking policies,” said Willmer.

“To be effective, guidelines should include input from stakeholders throughout the organization, including IT, legal, human resources, marketing, public relations and front-line employees.”

Tags: Social Media, Twitter

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