Social Networking is better than smoking

It's happening here in New Zealand now- the corporate revolt against employees using social networks on employer owned hardware and networks. The calls of 'productivity' cry from the huge offices.Just the other day I lost access to a variety of website's at my job due to a network upgrade- and I'm employed as an online strategist! Bizarre.......

Corporations are going to need to start seeing the we are in the midst of a cultural revolution. If they do not, they risk going backwards in their ongoing attempt at providing a balanced atmosphere for their employees. Going onto facebook and networking with your friends in the modern day equivalent of going outside for smoke and chatting with your friends. Or if we go even further back, sitting at your desk and having a smoke to relax.

Social networking online provides a certain amount of relief in what has become a longer and more boring day in front of a computer (for those of us with office based jobs). I compare my going on facebook to old schoolers having a smoke at their desk 30 years ago to take time to reflect on the massive pile of paperwork that they had left to get through.

Obviously, the difference' between social networking online and smoking cigarettes are numerous. I mean to say, social networking is not going to kill me.

Hang on, maybe it is? They haven't banned smoking at work yet? People go outside to smoke all the time. That's not productive. My company say that their policies have our best interests at heart. Holy shit, is there something major that I'm missing here? I knew facebook was addictive but......

Comments

[LIEEEE]

have you reviewed http://www.zooped.com social network yet?

[Colin Campbell]

This is so true. Smokers in our office take time out regularly to poison their lungs. I am quite comfortable with that, but why can't I use that time to do something else distracting.

[James Fleet]

Hi Colin- thanks for the comment.

I don't mean to take a stand against smokers- I just think that the example is so relevant in this situation.

I mean most of the smokers that I know stand outside and chat with their mates. Or talk on their mobile with friends.

Whats the difference?

[Michelle]

Oh, it is so true. Facebook also doesn't make the lift smell like cigarettes and doesn't take 5 minutes every hour.

People are far more productive when still accessible at their desks (even if surfing tradme) than if they are huddled on their own in the Wellington wind down by the parking building sucking on a cigarette.

Just to prove a point I facebooked this from my work computer. I'm social networking, and also seeing who the current status of others in my building.