Bosses throw the book at Facebook
43.5% of Facebook users admit to logging onto the social networking site in secret while at work, according to a survey by LinkMe.com.au, Australia’s leading career building site.
Despite 20% of employers objecting to workers logging on during the working day, Aussies are spending hours trawling through their friend’s profiles, playing games and making new ‘friends’. 19% of Facebook users admit to spending up to two hours a week on the site, according to the survey of 2,703 respondents.
On an average Australian salary, just two hours per week on Facebook adds up to a massive $2708.16 in employer time each year, not to mention loss of productivity, projects being put behind schedule and putting extra strain on IT resources.
Campbell Sallabank, CEO of LinkMe.com.au says, “The internet has become an ever more useful tool for networking and building relationships, both personal and professional. The success of sites such as Linkme.com.au and Facebook only go to show just how ingrained the internet is in all aspects of our lives.
“17.1% of Facebook users say they use the site for career networking, and that is certainly an aspect of any social networking. However, what Facebook does not provide is advice and support purely for career development at this stage.
“Because a vast majority of Facebook users, 75.9%, are using the site for keeping in touch with friends, many are putting pictures, videos and personal information they would never want an employer or potential employer to see. There is a strange dichotomy on many Facebook profiles of deeply personal information combined with professional backgrounds that doesn’t make for a happy mix.
“Australians are amongst the most skilled net workers in the world and they realize the need to self promote and make contacts at every available opportunity. Whilst 27.5% of all Facebook users belong to at least one other social networking site, LinkMe remains the premier networking site for those wanting advice and help in their careers.”
