Mixing Online Social Networking With Work

Should You Do It?

Social networking isn't really news, but its use in the workplace is.

According to a new survey of human resources professionals by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the nation's first outplacement consulting organization, 59% of companies don't have a formal policy in place regarding the use of social networking sites, such as MySpace and Facebook, at the office, perhaps because nearly half of those polled said surfing these sites isn't a problem as long as employees are completing their work.

John A. Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, reflects, "Employers face the challenge of maintaining a productive workplace while allowing their employees access to sites that facilitate communication with a variety of resources. More companies will be forced to address the issue as the number of workers using these sites continues to grow."

While perception is generally positive, a third of those surveyed indicated that social networking sites are a "major drain on worker output." Nearly a quarter of companies reported blocking access to the sites entirely, according to Challenger, Gray & Christmas.

How can social networkers handle this technology at the office? Read on for five tips from career experts.

1. Use It

Nicholas Aretakis, author of "No More Ramen: The 20-Something's Real World Survival Guide," says, "I think it's a huge tool! I try to convey to recent graduates that employers actually want people who have the ability to market and sell through these massive networking sites. Whether it's used to launch an album, promote a book, or sell another product, it's valuable to have these large distribution lists, to get invited to join groups, to find out what's hot and what's not."

Daisy Swan, a career strategist, of Daisy Swan and Associates, concurs, "In terms of networking and finding out about career paths and to get a sense of different kinds of people and professional opportunities, I think it's fantastic. I'm all for the social networking sites because I believe there's so much you can learn; and if you want to be accessible to headhunters, it's great."

2. But Don't Abuse It

Social networking is a good thing -- but too much of any good thing can sometimes be bad. Experts caution workers to exercise restraint when accessing these sites at the office. Says Swan, "As an employer, I'd be incredibly disappointed if an employee were keeping a running tab on his whereabouts throughout the workday on any site. My perspective on that is that it's like taking personal calls all day long."

Aretakis advises, "Adhere to the protocol within your employer. If there isn't one, just utilize it as you'd utilize your email or browsing the Net. If you're on for a short time, it's probably fine, but if you're spending more than half an hour of business time on social networking, it's probably not a good idea." Swan adds, "For someone who's in marketing, if it's part of your job, if you're in business strategy, and it behooves you to be on it, then you can justify it. If not, keep it to a minimum."

3. Once You're a Professional, Keep It Professional

A lot of MySpace and Facebook users first created their profiles when they were students. And many of those students are now prospective employees. Edit out casual or crass content from your profile so that you come across as a professional. Swan warns, "Always be aware that any social networking profile you're putting out there should be employer worthy. Make certain you have a respectable page because these are used as references for anybody to look at. That's what employers are looking at."

Author Aretakis agrees, "It's prudent to be on these sites, but I think new job seekers need to exercise discretion. Instead of calling themselves 'hotsexybabe' or the like, they may want to adopt a more neutral handle and image."

4. Be Aware of the Company You Keep

Fair or not, we're often judged by the people with whom we associate. Use caution when "friending" folks. Don't do so indiscriminately or you may wind up just a few clicks away from shady characters that can undermine your professional reputation.

Swan, whose practice is based in Los Angeles, also urges social networkers to be careful about the groups they join. "If you're going to get involved with groups, those affiliations can be public. People can learn a lot -- or speculate a lot -- about you through the groups you join." If you want to control your image, she suggests managing your privacy options within each online network you join.

5. Watch What You Say

Because no privacy option seems unhackable these days, you should always err on the side of caution when posting anything to your personal profiles. Counsels Swan, "You need to know what you're putting out there in terms of your messaging. Anything you wouldn't want everyone to hear you say? Don't put it on there."

Aretakis shares the sentiment, adding, "Don't put anything in writing that you wouldn't want the people in HR read. Even something said in jest could get you fired."