April 14, 2010

With social networking becoming popular there is growing apprehensions about these sites impede productivity. Many employers feel that accessing social networking sites during work hours is hampering employees' productivity. "When you are in office, you are expected to work productively and not to indulge in chatting with your friends, and relatives" says a CEO of leading corporate firm in India.

It is true that one should not deviate from his/her concentration from his official work to any other personal or social matters? That is in the rule book. But can it be a reality?  The answers to this question vary but are interesting.

"No way, if you need good productivity, then you need to be mentally balanced, free from tension, and should not feel that you are working within the restricted boundaries. While working, there should be room for accessing personal and social informationr" says a computer engineer who works for a multinational company in Bangalore.
 
A recent survey by a reputed agency in India shows that around 13% employee productivity in the corporate sector is lost every day due to of social networking sites during office hours. According to the survey, each day, a corporate employee spends at least 75 minutes of his productive time on various social networking sites (Orkut, Facebook, MSN, Tweeter and Chatting etc). The number is growing day by day which has compelled many IT companies to install software to keep an eye the employees' online activities.
 
But Employees strongly argue in favour of social networking sites and feel that such sites allow them connect with the rest of the world while they are at work. "It may take 5 to 10 minutes to recharge them into being productive at work, and remind them of life beyond the office" says an employee of corporate company who regularly uses networking sites.
 
Many employees say social networking can be beneficial as they might get ideas and develop new contacts, which will enhance their productivity. "Many companies restrict mobile phones, email access, or stepping out for lunch...so, how can they restrict social network too? It will be more like a prison if one has to work in such an atmosphere says a female employee of corporate company.  
 
Now here is the question before daijiworld readers. Do you think that Social Networking Sites Affect Employees' Productivity? 

You can cast your vote and if your answer is ‘YES’ give a detailed reason.  Similarly if you say 'NO' then please provide valid reasons in support of your arguments.