Can social networking co-exist with the workplace?

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We are asked to join Facebook

I'm an analyst with Serena Software, and we not only allowed access to facebook, we are actively asked to get an account and are given an hour of time every Friday, an hour of Serena time mind you, to get in contact with friends and colleagues using social media.



Despite this shift from blocking to encouraging participation, Serena has not seen a loss of productivity. We haven't had people spend all day turning co-workers into vampires. Nobody is posting lewd pictures from the company's Holiday party.



Why? For one, we are adults, and our leadership treats us as adults. Those who don't live up to our standards are asked to leave. Second, the benefits outweigh the risk of productivity loss. When I have a colleague who is a facebook friend, with whom I have compared movie tastes, and to whom I have sent a facebook birthday card, that colleague will be more likely to help me when I'm in a jam, or come to me when he or she is in a jam and needs help. Serena is a global company with global reach, and I've never met many of my co-workers. But I can and do reach them through facebook.



Finally, we are a high-tech company. We always need fresh ideas, fresh faces and fresh ways of doing business. Blocking off the social infrastructure so vital to the young men and women entering the workforce today isn't going to make Serena a 'go to' employer for the cream of the high-tech crop.



It is my sincere hope that all Serena?s competitors continue to block access to facebook.



Regards,



Kelly A. Shaw, Ph.D.

Analyst

Serena Software

Posted by: kshaw@...   Posted on: 12/19/07 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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