Blog post 1 : -Social Media Use in the Workplace – Tools, Channels, and Policies

 In this post, I’ll describe how social media and digital tools are used in the workplace based on a social services organization I’m familiar with. This organization works in the field of child and family services, offering support such as counselling, child protection, and preventive care. Staff use a variety of digital tools in their daily work. Microsoft Teams and Outlook are the major tools of internal communication, meetings, and file sharing. A software like ShiftCare is used for work shift management and task planning. There is also an intranet setup within the organization where employees can see key information, updates, and internal news. Apart from these formal setups, there are informal setups like WhatsApp, which are commonly used among co-workers for quick messages and reminders. For public exposure and awareness, Facebook and Instagram are utilized by the organization to promote services and spread awareness campaigns.

Formal and informal communication platforms are distinguished clearly. Formal platforms like Outlook, Teams, and the intranet are structured and regulated, whereas WhatsApp and private Facebook groups are less formal, although still professionally used. The organization also has a social media policy that guides employees on how to behave online. It has fundamental procedures such as not putting up any client information or work procedures on personal pages, and ensuring all formal social media updates go through the communications team. Employees can participate in campaigns or events through the online world but must always portray the organization in a respectful and professional manner. Even though social media has its benefits, there are some risks associated with it, including privacy issues, professional boundaries getting blurred, and the potential for the spread of misinformation in case unofficial channels of communication are misused. For that reason, open communication policies and training are critical in those workplaces.