Swedish firms lack social media policy: survey
Only seven percent of Swedish firms operate a formal policy for how employees may use social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter during working hours.
The equivalent figure for the rest of the world is 20 percent, according to a new survey conducted by staffing firm Manpower.
"In Sweden it is perhaps part of a more general IT policy. Perhaps we see social media as more of an opportunity than a problem. Perhaps business culture in Sweden places more responsibility on the individual," Hans Makander at Manpower Sweden told The Local on Thursday.
Many firms express concern over the use of social media and its impact on staff productivity. There is also a concern that sensitive information could leak out, according to the survey of 34,000 companies worldwide.
"Companies need to find ways to capitalise on social media in their operations. A formal policy for the use of external social media can be fine, but it should not be used to control staff," Manpower Sweden CEO Peter Lundahl said in a company statement.
Hans Makander told The Local that he recognises the discussion in that which met the arrival of the photocopier, fax machine and mobile telephones.
"It takes some time to establish what can be done with the new technologies, and what is okay to do privately at work; but after a while it settles down," he said.
The survey also asked employees across the world in what areas social media could be applied to boost company performance. The largest benefit was within brand development, the report shows.
Manpower recommends firms to also make use of social media to develop new methods for teamwork, stimulate commitment among employees, and for recruitment purposes.
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The equivalent figure for the rest of the world is 20 percent, according to a new survey conducted by staffing firm Manpower.
"In Sweden it is perhaps part of a more general IT policy. Perhaps we see social media as more of an opportunity than a problem. Perhaps business culture in Sweden places more responsibility on the individual," Hans Makander at Manpower Sweden told The Local on Thursday.
Many firms express concern over the use of social media and its impact on staff productivity. There is also a concern that sensitive information could leak out, according to the survey of 34,000 companies worldwide.
"Companies need to find ways to capitalise on social media in their operations. A formal policy for the use of external social media can be fine, but it should not be used to control staff," Manpower Sweden CEO Peter Lundahl said in a company statement.
Hans Makander told The Local that he recognises the discussion in that which met the arrival of the photocopier, fax machine and mobile telephones.
"It takes some time to establish what can be done with the new technologies, and what is okay to do privately at work; but after a while it settles down," he said.
The survey also asked employees across the world in what areas social media could be applied to boost company performance. The largest benefit was within brand development, the report shows.
Manpower recommends firms to also make use of social media to develop new methods for teamwork, stimulate commitment among employees, and for recruitment purposes.
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