This Telindus report shows that 39% of young workers (19-24) would consider quitting their job if their employer blocked access to Facebook at work. Another 21% would be "annoyed".
Ann All's reaction is "Grow up, Punks". I completely disagree. I'm 35, not a millennial, however, I think that that attitude is just fine in today's work environment.
Employees would want to flee an employer if they wouldn't let them go to the bathroom whenever they wanted, or carry a cell phone and answer the phone. An employer such as this would be considered a control freak and employees would definitely be seeking out other employment options.
Young professionals with a strong worth ethic will often "glance" at Facebook 2 or 3 times a day -- taking less time out of their workday than a smoke break. Older workers just don't understand, but Facebook is used like an email application. It is a communication tool that you "glance" at to check for recent communication from friends.
I didn't understand it until I noticed the following behavior:
OLDER WORKERS: If they want to coordinate with friends to meet for dinner after work, may pick 5 friends and send them email.
YOUNG WORKERS: They reduce their usage on email. Communication occurs instead on MySpace or Facebook. Instead of emailing 5 friends about dinner, they can communicate by posting on their social network. Many more of their friends (50+) can see the message. Then the friends that are interested will join for dinner. THE ADVANTAGE is that they are not sending an INTERRUPTING email to their friends, and they may find more people to join them for dinner (people they wouldn't have sent email may end up wanting to come).
I think the "Bozo" rules apply:
- Employees should flee a bozo employer. Such as one that restricts access to the internet.
- Employers should let bozo employees go if they have problems getting their work done. This includes if they aren't getting their work done because of the time they spend on non-work issues (Facebook or not).
The real change is weeding out poor work ethic and not restricting access to Facebook. Solve problems with worth ethic should happen by improving the interview process. Employers also need to be proficient at handling employees who slip through the interview process, and deal with work ethic issues then (including letting them go if necessary). Blocking access to Facebook isn't a way to solve problems with poor work ethic.
Ann also says, "heavy Facebook usage can slow network performance". I have a long background in technology and I think this just isn't accurate. This may be accurate in retails stores with very little internet access, but most jobs are in an office with real internet access. I would estimate that "strong Facebook usage" would cost a company at most $1 per employee per year. That is like limiting employees use of the restroom due to the cost of water.
-Bryan
Bryan Starbuck
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