Many Firms Find Social Media Workplace Misuse Problematic Study

Many global businesses have had to deal with the misuse of social media networks in the workplace, according to a survey by law firm Proskauer Rose.

Of 120 employer respondents, many of them clients, 43.4 percent said social media network misuse has been an issue for them, and 31.3 percent said they have had to take disciplinary action against an employee because of misuse, according to the survey, Social Networks in the Workplace Around the World.

“We were surprised by the percentage of companies that had to deal with misuse of social networks and imposed disciplinary action,” said Bettina Plevan, a partner at the New York City-based law firm.

Some 76.3 percent of respondents said their businesses use social media networking for business purposes. The largest percentage, 37.3 percent, have used social media for one to two years.

The survey also discussed the specifics of selected countries. For example in several countries, companies must first inform workers that their social media networking will be monitored, according to the survey.

Filed by Judy Greenwald of Business Insurance, a sister publication of Workforce Management. To comment, email editors@workforce.com.

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