I recently read an article which discussed the security issues around accessing Web 2.0 technologies from the workplace. The article focused on social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace, and explained how these sites can allow viruses to infect a company’s corporate network. The author also raised the question that if companies are blocking access to social networking sites, will that affect the type of people who want to work for that firm? I found this to be a very intriguing question as the article identified young professionals in particular, who have already established an online social network prior to beginning their professional career. So, would the fact that a company blocks access to certain social networking sites influence a candidate’s decision to accept a job offer? And if the answer is yes, is restricting access to these sites the right thing for a company to do?
The younger generation can be identified by their acceptable and borderline obsession with social networking sites. Many young adults habitually view sites like Facebook and MySpace multiple times throughout the day, including while at work. Although the primary purpose of social networking sites is to stay connected with family and friends, they also offer a network of people who are willing to provide their assistance when called upon. I think that most companies could actually benefit by allowing their employees to access social networking sites from the workplace.
The advantage of social networking sites is that they provide a broad range of personal resources. These are the type of resources that can be beneficial, even when relied upon in a corporate setting. I realize that social networking sites can make a company vulnerable to viruses and malware, but they can also provide their employees with a pool of additional resources. In addition, by the time current students are ready to enter the corporate world, online social networking will be so ingrained into their culture that a work environment which prohibits these sites will seem completely unattractive. Therefore, companies have several ways to view this dilemma. First, from the perspective of maintaining security around their corporate network. And second, from the perspective of their employees, current and potential, and how they view a company that is committed to block access to social networking sites. Hopefully, a company can find a compromise somewhere in between.
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