According to global internet statistics, India has 560 million internet users, second only to China. About 375 million of her 560 million internet users in India are on social media. These statistics are enough to show the prevalence of internet and social media in Indian society. Arguably, social media is irrevocably changing the way we work, playing a permanent role in how companies build their brands, promote themselves, recruit talent, and engage with their communities. Plays.
Judicious use of social media by employees can improve task management within an organization and relationships between subordinates and employers, thereby contributing to higher profits.On the other hand, excessive use of social networking sites can have many negative effects on employee success, increasing stress, demoralizing employees within an organization, and impacting revenue, leadership, and reputation. business. This is why companies need to take social media use in the workplace very seriously. While many organizations have procedures in place and others have invented social media to their advantage, the majority do not know how to deal with the dangers. Participation in social media can add an additional layer of stress for certain employees, depending on how familiar or engaged the employee is with social media in the first place.
Workplaces must increasingly recognize and promote mental health as a key component of employee engagement and productivity. Consider the following method suggested by Dr. Malini Saba, A psychologist to combat the negative effects of social media use in the workplace.she is
Create a thorough social media policy.
Employees can feel insecure and overwhelmed when the boundaries between personal and professional use of social media are not clearly defined. Organizations should specify these boundaries with a social media policy that defines social networking in clear and plain language.
A successful social media policy outlines the rules and expectations for using social media on behalf of the organization or during work hours. You should clarify the disciplinary actions that may be taken against employees who violate your organization’s social media policies, as well as provide guidelines for referencing personal or confidential information about your organization. A good social networking strategy acts as a safety net by providing a clear code of conduct for everyone in your organization.
Conduct social media literacy training:
Establishing a clear social media policy is a prerequisite. Include social media literacy training as part of your onboarding or ongoing training.
Providing such training allows employees to confidently advocate and promote the organization through their personal and professional networks. It is important that employees feel comfortable sharing and responding to criticism about your company and can do so safely and responsibly.
Encourage active and authoritative use of social media.
Being active on social networks can help reduce the negative effects of overexposure to social media, such as anxiety, depression, feelings of overwhelm, and low self-esteem. Active use of social media is better than passive use, both professionally and personally. Active use requires engagement, direct connection, or relevant sharing, shifting the focus to contributions. Passive use is indifferent or observant in nature and is primarily concerned with consumption.
Similarly, we build healthy relationships with social media when we present true, honest representations of ourselves, as opposed to idealized or dishonest versions that undermine our credibility and experience. increase.
Raise awareness and establish links.
When it comes to health and well-being, employees shouldn’t feel isolated in and out of the office. Addressing mental health concerns, especially the impact of social media on mental health, has a positive effect on employee performance, productivity and job satisfaction. Initiatives such as company-wide mental health and wellbeing events that outline the resources, supports and programs available to employees, and how to get help if needed, enable ongoing discussions about employee health. , his channel of communication is kept open. Organizations should always be aware of both the positive and negative effects that social media can have on the mental health of their employees. Businesses are not in the same position as parents when it comes to regulating social media use, but they encourage balance, create rules for good social media habits, and take action where necessary to maintain a healthy workplace. may provide assistance.
