Everything you need to know about Yammer
Yammer is one of the most successful workplace social networks. Among other things, it’s one of the platforms that reach more sectors. Similar to Twitter (but dedicated to corporate communication exclusively), Yammer is a messenger system for employees that work within the same organization. Users we’ll find it to be of great assistance in their daily tasks reducing the necessity to use e-mail.
A little bit of context
Launched in 2008, this service allows employees to get together in a social network where security and privacy are the priority. Thus, Yammer is one of many other systems which are known as “workplace social networks” and whose purpose is to improve the dynamics of a company.
You can try out Yammer for free because it has a basic version and choose further paid plans to unlock advantages. For example, you can get admin controls and advanced security as well as integrations with other corporate apps. You’ll also find priority customer support within these plans.
Yammer’s motto invites you to “connect and engage across your organization”. The platform was so successful that it was bought by Microsoft in 2012.
Comparing Yammer to regular social media can help us understand its nature. Yammer is different from Twitter, for example, because it’s not open to the public. Instead, it’s focused on the employees of a particular company. This approach creates a safer environment to exchange information and corporate confidential documents.
The other difference is the approach because workplace social networks are conclusively designed for the workplace. Hence, instead of writing what you’re doing, as you would do on Twitter, you ask “what are you working on”.
There are plenty of things that you can do with Yammer, depending on the plan you choose:
- Create events
- Categorize information and conversations
- Communicate with coworkers
- Send documents
- Search for files and experts
- Tag people
Other things you can do with Yammer include interact with coworkers and encourage cooperativeness, create a healthy group dynamic, enhance accessibility and offer wide integration options.
How to use it
The network has its own mobile app which comes for iPads, iPhones, Android, and desktops. It provides a unique space that employees can access through their email accounts. It’s worth noting that it must have the company’s domain.
For a friendlier experience, users can set up notifications according to their needs. Then, they can use intuitive interaction protocols similar to what they find on other platforms. To encourage performance, there are gamification elements. For example, users can reward their teammates with badges.
One of Yammer’s best features is the possibility to create theme-related groups. You can choose to make these private or public, allowing you to share them with people outside the organization. Although the essence of Yammer is to use it internally, this tool can be helpful when outsourcing, sharing parts of the workflow with clients, etcetera. At the end of the day, all these features come together to strengthen your company and its internal processes.
When it comes to design, the interface is friendly and focuses on highlighting positive results. Users can like comments on certain topics the same way they do on Facebook. File sharing is an important part of your company’s day-to-day processes. In this regard, users can share all types of formats including links, PDFs, videos, and word documents.
Create simple surveys with real-time results so that you can consult with your teammates before making a decision. This undoubtedly helps create a cooperative environment. Besides creating pages and publishing events on the schedule, Yammer includes a word searcher. Thus, all your staff can find what they’re looking for without delay. The search tool includes users, files, and comments.
As with Twitter or Instagram, users can choose whom to follow thus creating their own network. They can access only the comments and news from the department of their interest. For communication purposes, Yammer does not lag as it includes a messenger feature to chat with one or several people.
Benefits
In general, Yammer helps improve communication within your company by making messages run fluidly and spontaneously. It can also significantly reduce the number of meetings and e-mail exchanges, which results in a better experience and brings satisfaction to employees. Naturally, this will optimize your productivity. Finally, this workspace social network can be a great place for sharing knowledge.
Disadvantages
The lack of rules can lead to unconventional behavior. This is because many companies simply install Yammer and invite their employees to use it. Others give a very superficial outline, but very few give clear instructions on how to use workplace social networks.
Excessive prominence can be an issue derived from the use of such platforms. A person can be perceived as a reference in a certain area or project unfoundedly. In other words, some people may want to take credit for other people’s accomplishments.
Also, it’s worth considering that there may be privacy issues as each employee has limitless reach with practically real-time repercussions.
To sum up, Yammer is a valuable asset for any company. It comes packed with several advanced features to make your processes easier and more straightforward. Make sure to establish clear ground rules before inviting employees to join.