Social Networking or Social Notworking?

Monday 6th December 2010

The latest white paper released by IT analysts Quocirca raises the issue of social media in the working environment and the impact this has on an organisation. With an increasing trend towards the 24/7 working culture there is certainly cause for concern over the work/life balance and the cost incurred by social networking's abuse of mobile bills.

As it becomes more commonplace for employees to carry two or more mobile devices, mobile phone management provider ttMobiles is championing the introduction of mobile internet and social media policies. International travel has become routine in our 24/7 working environment and ttMobiles has found that many companies are unaware of the significant cost of internet roaming and the loss of productivity caused by access to social networking websites.

The business benefits of smartphones have been widely documented with 60% of employers footing the bill. Organisations looking for ways to increase employee efficiency use smartphones to extend working hours by making the commute a productive experience, allowing employees to be connected to the office at all times. However, employers need to be more aware that with the benefits could come an alarming increase in expense.

In the current climate, employers are realising that costs need to be kept under control and over 40% believe mobile costs need to be managed. Many companies are asking - when does Social Networking become ‘Social Notworking’? According to a white paper commissioned by ttMobiles, businesses are suffering from an alarming trend of social notworking with over 90% of employees using a business internet connection to browse the web for personal reasons and over 50% using the connection to interact on a variety of social networking platforms.

While voice calls are billed by the easily understandable minute, data is measured by the megabyte and most users will be unaware of how their use of mobile email, web browsing or other applications translates into mobile data costs. International travel exacerbates the issue as mobile smartphone roaming significantly increases the charges. Watching a video abroad could be charged back at £30-£450, while one hour on Facebook can cost between £25 and £30, add this to the loss of employee productivity and companies face significant financial loss.

As well as the airtime costs, mobile devices have other financial implications. There are risks from theft or loss of devices and the consequential loss or exposure of data. There are other costs, beyond security, to deal with, including management of the devices, the updating of software installed on them and the replacement and tracking of the devices allocated to individual users.

Peter Readman, ttMobiles Co-founder and Director, commented; “Many employees have a smartphone placed on their desk with no documentation or guidance on when, where and how much they can use their new business tool. The current 24/7 lifestyle demands that employees are available to work at the drop of a hat, but companies need to be aware that the blur of work and home life also leads to a greater expectation to turn a blind eye. Employers need to promote and restrict the use of the internet within the working environment to ensure employees are aware of clear distinction between what the company is prepared to pay for and what it is not, so that everyone is aware of accepted practise”.

ttMobiles works with a number of high profile organisations to assist in implementing mobile policies that clearly define boundaries for both employer and employees. ttMobiles Wireless Expense Manager is an interactive, web-based service that enables organisations to view and manage mobile spend. End users can verify their bills online, make personal call and data declarations and have deductions made directly from their salary, eliminating paperwork. For ease of use bills use names, rather than numbers, wherever possible.

ttMobiles was founded in 2001, and thanks to its highly experienced and innovative team has firmly established itself as the UK’s number one provider of independent, outsourced mobile communications management. It counts international banks, retailers, software giants and the public sector as its customers.

Quocirca is a primary research and analysis company specialising in the business impact of information technology and communications (ITC). With world-wide, native language reach, Quocirca provides in-depth insights into the views of buyers and influencers in large, mid-sized and small organisations. Its analyst team is made up of real-world practitioners with firsthand experience of ITC delivery who continuously research and track the industry and its real usage in the market.

For more information about Quocirca please visit www.quocirca.com

For more information please contact:
Alexandra Barry or Bernice Dixon-Lines at Primal PR
Tel: 01628 625 900
Email: Alexandra.Barry@primalpr.com or Bernice.Dixon-Lines@primalpr.com