Workflow social networks as a way to strengthen your company
A workplace social network, also known as ESN (Enterprise Social Network), is a platform where members of an organization can connect with each other. Both inside and outside the entity, they can socialize with people, find a like-minded community, and share activities and common interests.
Some experts have defined ESNs as the way in which companies use social networking, social media, and similar tools to connect employees with each other. This also improves work processes and internal activities.
Workplace social network versus regular social media
There’s a difference between a workplace social network and regular social profiles like Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. The former can only be accessed by users who belong to a particular organization, i.e., they’re not open to the general public. Furthermore, most of these platforms are created and tailored for specific companies. Such solutions allow us to approach the company’s needs and issues effectively. As a result, in many cases, we have quite a different platform than regular social media.
Naturally, ESNs include key features for a company workflow and internal cooperation. This includes direct messages, the possibility to comment and publish, follow theme threads, statuses, etcetera. In every company, there is often important news or updates, and having a tailored platform can be a great way to share this information fast and efficiently.
The reader may be wondering why not use the already existing platforms like Twitter or Facebook. Open social media platforms present a confidentiality issue, with the risk of information being leaked. Because they are open to the public, they don’t provide the necessary privacy when it comes to sharing internal information and connections. In the case of LinkedIn, although it’s much closer to corporate social media, the privacy issue remains. Moreover, these platforms can give way to other issues like insubordination, violation of workplace policies, and harassment. Here is a video to help employees regulate their social media activity and avoid misunderstandings.
All in all, companies keep using public social media but with other purposes: to connect with people outside the entity. Thus, they can keep in touch with their clients, conduct audience research, promote brand awareness, and release advertising campaigns.
How can an ESN help your workflow
Social media tools are of great help in different aspects. They can significantly improve your internal dynamics and optimize your workflow. Employees can access resources and knowledge to solve their tasks more effectively and tackle issues.
Platforms like this can run on in-house servers or on third-party providers like Socialcast, Yammer, and others . Either way, the objective is the same: enhancing collaboration and fostering communication.
These are some of the things that you can do with a workplace social network:
- Create theme threads
- Tag people to threads, publications, messages, tasks, etc.
- Send direct messages
- Send group messages
- Share important updates
- Inform about staff meetings
- Task follow-up
Advantages of using a tailored social media platform for your business
Faster communication
ESN platforms usually have a chat tool where participants can interact in real-time. Thus, it’s the perfect alternative to e-mail and regular messenger apps. While communication becomes more fluid than with emails, employees don’t get distracted by personal messages that may come from Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or Telegram.
Effective project management and better workflows
Tools like Tello, Azendoo, and Basecamp are excellent alternatives to enhance collaboration in the workplace. With them, companies can tune in their processes, especially those involving many employees. They’re also a great tracking instrument because they allow you to assign tasks for different project stages, identify the project status, and recognize the responsible person.
Accessibility and maintenance
A large company has many documents, advertising materials, contracts, pictures, etc. Without workplace social networks, accessing and sharing these files is extremely complicated. Like Google Drive or Dropbox, ESNs have corporate clouds where you can store all kinds of information. Moreover, admins can grant different levels of access. Thus, all data will be organized and available for different departments, project managers, supervisors, and employees. All in all, having a centralized database is always a plus.
Encourage collaboration
It has been proven that ESN tools foster participation and the culture of cooperation. By uniting efforts and centralizing the workflow, you’ll be consolidating a solid team and employees will have a higher level of commitment.
Share knowledge and impart training
In the same way as “knowmads” do, these tools present profiles of people with great knowledge and ability. In general, they are innovative, cooperative, and know how to handle all situations. Keep this in mind when establishing your ESN. Also, you can share valuable knowledge and training materials easily and in bulk.
Enhance productivity
If we take all of this into consideration, it’s clear that workplace social networks enhance efficiency and productivity. By tackling all the key aspects, these tools present the perfect solution.
If you’re able to assign tasks to the right people and follow up accordingly, you can track all processes and identify where it’s stuck and who is the responsible person. Companies with a fair number of employees usually have projects that involve many people: the next person’s tasks depend on what the previous employee did. In this regard, having an unique and safe communication method is vital. This is why ESNs usually include a chat tool.
Also, strengthen the team spirit and the feeling of belonging. If employees are committed, your company’s reach will be much stronger.
While Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram represent your connection to your audience, workflow social networks have a direct influence on your inner structure. This platform will represent your company, providing communication methods, work tools, and socialization possibilities.