Facebook could have talent management potential
29/10/2008

A new report has revealed the potential benefits of social networking sites as a talent management strategy, despite a number of companies choosing to ban them in the office.

A leading think-tank has said that UK bosses should embrace Facebook in the office because it could act as an effective talent management strategy.

A report by Demos revealed that it may be beneficial to employers if they allow their staff to continue using social networking sites because it forges closer relationships with colleagues and customers.

Speaking to Reuters, report author Peter Bradwell said that sites such as Facebook, Bebo and MySpace could help improve employee productivity.

"The answer is not to close down staff access to social network platforms, nor is it investing blindly in collaborative platforms.

"Rather, we argue that we need to understand how, once we accept the implications of social networks, we can manage the new challenges and trade-offs," he said.

Demos' research also revealed that stopping workers from using social networking sites could actually be bad for staff morale - highlighting their potential as a talent management method.

Some leading organisations are already realising the benefits of social networking sites, with mobile phone and broadband company Orange setting up its own in-house platform for employees.