Twitter, Facebook, Are Not Welcomed At Most Business'

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According to a report released by Robert Half Technology, contrary to popular belief, Social Networking sites like Twitter and Facebook are not allowed on the company networks. Most either completely block or allows partial use of it as long as it is work related. Only 10% allowed the use without check!

CIOs were asked, “Which of the following most closely describes your company’s policy on visiting social networking sites, such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter, while at work?” Their responses:

Prohibited completely		54%
Permitted for business purposes only		19%
Permitted for limited personal use		16%
Permitted for any type of personal use		10%
Don't know/no answer		1%
		100%

But this has a another face to it. These blockages happens over wired networks, so users with smartphones will be on these networks during the work time, not on WiFi on company premises but on 3G or Edge. So if you are near a business district, which usually has busy wireless network, will be more burdened with the social network trafic.
As a habbit, but I am not required to, I do not use company network for my personal messaging be it either twitter, facebook and SMS. I use either iPhone or Blackberry for those. Actually I tend to use iPhone for more of these work than talking, thanks to no bars service by AT&T.
But it might be different for you or others near you.

Robert Half Technology offers the following tips for protecting your professional reputation when using social networking sites:

• Know what’s allowed. Make sure you understand and adhere to your company’s social networking policy.
• Use caution. Be familiar with each site’s privacy settings to ensure personal details or photos you post can be viewed only by people you choose.
• Keep it professional. Use social networking sites while at work to make connections with others in your field or follow industry news -- not to catch up with family or friends.
• Stay positive. Avoid complaining about your manager and coworkers. Once you’ve hit submit or send, you can’t always take back your words -- and there’s a chance they could be read by the very people you’re criticizing.
• Polish your image. Tweet or blog about a topic related to your profession. You’ll build a reputation as a subject matter expert, which could help you advance in your career.
• Monitor yourself. Even if your employer has a liberal policy about social networking, limit the time you spend checking your Facebook page or reading other people’s tweets to avoid a productivity drain.

Press Release by Robert Half Technology