We’ve had several conversations here on DealerRefresh about dealers blocking Facebook from employees in fear of low productivity. At one point there was a study that showed where over 50% percent of companies block social media in the work place.
That stat was from a study in 2011. I’d be curious to know if this percentage has changed any over the last year or so. If you know of a recent study with this data, please share in the comments.
Above is a graph from resent research where Statista shows just how popular Facebook is during work hours – with almost 30% of employees “working” Facebook. Gmail and Yahoo email come in at a close 2nd and 3rd, though I would disregard one checking their email as a huge issue in causing low productivity. Unless they’re checking their email for Facebook updates and then going sliding over to Facebook from there 🙂
Either way, no matter how you define your dealers social media strategy, lets agree that playing on Facebook, or the internet all-together isn’t part of it.
I for one have never supported blocking social media from the employees at the dealership. I believe everyone would be treated like an adult until otherwise proven they can not conduct their urges to use the internet at work for non-productive items (within reason). Let’s be real, how many of us haven’t huddled a staff desk to watch a gut busting video on YouTube?
“If I were on the floor and worked at a dealership that restricted my access to social sites that I was able to leverage for rapport building and possible incremental sales, I’d have my iPad hooked to my hip or my laptop tethered through my phone for internet access.”
What about you?
Is social media hurting your productivity at work?
Are you Facebooking during work every day? If so – whats your percentage of personal vs professional?
Should casual social media be STOPPED at the dealership?
