CorpComms Magazine

More than half of all businesses block their staff accessing certain websites during the working day while 68 per cent check up on which sites have been visited, according to a new study by software security firm Clearswift.

The 'WorkLifeWeb 2011' global survey found that the number of companies blocking employee access to social networking sites has more than doubled over the past year from nine per cent to 19 per cent.

Almost one in four German companies (23 per cent) and 21 per cent of Australian companies block social media access which contrasts with the American experience where 30 per cent of businesses encourage staff to use social media tools.

The survey found that, while 80 per cent of managers acknowledge the business benefits that social media can generate, there are growing concerns about the potential for security breaches and data loss. 

Indeed, 87 per cent of companies are so concerned about such issues that they concede this has slowed technology adoption. Yet, paradoxically, 41 per cent of companies agree that the benefits of social media outweigh the drawbacks. This figure rises to 48 per cent in the UK and 58 per cent in America.

The survey also found that, while 48 per cent of managers claim social media is allowed or encouraged within their organisation, just one in four employees claim this is the case.

However, management fears about security issues are well placed, the report claims. One in five employees admit that they never think about security when going online, while 31 per cent believe it is their company's responsibility.

But 26 per cent of employees admit they would become demotivated if their bosses introduced stricter social media guidelines, and three per cent claim they would consider leaving.

share me: del.icio.us | digg | reddit | Tweet