Kenilworth, Warwickshire, UK – June 1, 2010–A recent survey by SAI Global, a leading provider of compliance, ethics and risk management solutions for global companies, has found that organisations are failing to address the risks posed by employees using social media in the workplace. The survey of 106 EU-based information security professionals, found that social media use for business purposes is high, with 62% of employees currently using it, despite many organisations banning the use of social media outright. In addition, just 34% of employees had received training to raise awareness of the risks and issues involved in using social media, which could leave organisations exposed to further risk.
The survey revealed that 74% of organisations had policies in place addressing the use of social media in the workplace. However in 66% of organisations, these policies were not supported by any known awareness or training initiatives that addressed how social media should be used. “Interestingly, many respondents told us that their existing company policy was a complete ban on the use of social media in the workplace. This is unrealistic, and in fact, these organisations are turning a blind-eye to the real issue. The survey demonstrates that employee use of social media is high, whether organisations like it or not, and it is essential that guidance and best practice is communicated to staff, so that they know how to avert issues and limit the organisations exposure to risk. Recent media coverage focusing on inappropriate use of social media has highlighted how quickly issues can get out of hand and cause embarrassment for both individuals and companies.” Said Iain McLeod, Iain McLeod, Head of Compliance at SAI Global EMEA.
In addition, the survey found that a large majority of respondents (85%) thought it would be useful to be given awareness training that covers the issues surrounding social media use in the workplace. “Employees appear to be receptive and willing to learn about social media issues. Organisations need to take this opportunity to inform employees and ensure that they engage with social media in appropriate ways. Social media can provide significant benefits for businesses in terms of networking and promotion, and this should not be overlooked.” Iain McLeod concluded.
To receive the full results and analysis or for more information
Gemma Jones, SAI Global Compliance EMEA, gemma.jones@saiglobal.com, phone (44) 01926 854111.
About SAI Global Compliance
For twenty-five years SAI Global Compliance has helped clients achieve organizational integrity and meet their overall business objectives with best practice compliance, ethics, risk management and governance solutions. With offices in more than 25 countries, SAI Global provides products and services including risk and culture assessments, a full range of advisory services, best practice Code of Conduct program development and review, whistleblowing hotline services, compliance and ethics education and awareness, regulatory knowledge, policy management, case management, and software solutions that manage and integrate every aspect of a compliance management process.
