Instead of blocking access to social networks, companies could focus on listening to their own internal audience and figuring out how they can implement social media to capture/understand the needs and wants of their own employees as a way to get in touch with their internal audience beyond satisfaction surveys — otherwise, the only forums employees have to express their views are public forums like Indeed and JobVent. There is so much valuable employee feedback that could be sourced and aggregated on internal platforms, this would not only serve the business better, but it would also provide the enterprise training/guidence for how to use social media. #opportunity

@Carol & @Jeff thanks for the comments!

As you’ve indicated, so many employers are ignoring the fact that conversations are going on about their company online with or without their participation. You’ve given some great tips on how to start and also emphasized the importance of educating employees on “how” to use the tools vs blocking/trying to control the conversations. However, it will likely take some well publicized failures where companies did not educate/encourage their employees to use the tools well to get some to consider getting involved. Unfortunately, this will happen. It’s just a matter of time.

As for who is doing it well? Unfortunately, there are too few well-known examples – Sodexo, E&Y, AT&T, Zappos, etc. but my guess is that there are a number of much smaller companies who “get it” and are doing great things. We’re just not hearing about them. It will be important for them/us to share many more success stories to get some of the reluctant participants to consider jumping on board. Right now, most still have their heads stuck firmly in the sand.