Managers say staff are happier with access to Web 2.0

But overestimate productivity of staff using Facebook and Twitter

Managers believe staff are 'happier and more motivated' when they have access to web 2.0 technologies

Managers believe staff are "happier and more motivated" when they have access to Web 2.0 technologies such as Facebook, Skype and Twitter, according to research from communications security firm Clearswift.

The company conducted 250 online interviews with workers and office managers in the UK, US, Australia and Germany in January.

According to the research, managers are increasingly aware of the benefits of social media in the workplace, with around half of them (52 per cent) saying web collaboration is critical to the company's future success.

Some 28 per cent of office workers are expected to maintain a social media presence for work and 47 per cent of managers believe that staff are “happier and more motivated” in the workplace if they have access to social networking tools.

However, while staff may be more motivated, employers need to be aware of the risks inherent in using Web 2.0 in the workplace, said Clearswift chief operating officer Andrew Wyatt.

Security is now the biggest concern when dealing with social media tools, with 61 per cent of companies having voiced concerns around this area.

Half of managers (51 per cent) believe that employees are oblivious to IT security concerns, with breaches taking place as a result of increased internet use at work.

Some 47 per cent of companies have had at least one security incident as a result of internet application use and only 64 per cent have specific tools in place to secure Web 2.0 exchanges.

“Current popular approaches to Web 2.0 security issues typically involve “big brother” style monitoring and locking down social networking sites,” said Wyatt.

“Such approaches may serve to erode employment relationships and diminish business value to be gained from web collaboration.”

Wyatt also cautioned that there are signs that employers’ eagerness to be seen to be adopting a progressive attitude towards social media could actually obscure their view of some of the drawbacks.

“Some 65 per cent of managers believe that use of web collaboration and social media tools at work makes employees more productive, but only 43 per cent of office workers say the same,” said Wyatt.

Clearswift argues that collaborative web technologies can offer benefits to businesses including cost savings, improved communication with customers and suppliers and better employee morale.