The question at hand is whether the use of instant messaging in a professional writing atmosphere or in the work place is appropriate.
- Pro 1:
You can organize your contact list by groups since all instant messengers have this feature. You can separate your contacts by business, friends and family. This feature can be utilized so that you do not accidentally invite a friend or family member into a “business” related chat or send something personal to a work partner. - Con 1:
While you can hide your friends and family contacts at work, they can still see if you are signed in. What if a family member or friend sends you a message at the wrong time? Therefore, if you are using instant messaging at work, people other than work partners need to know that it is a work environment and not a time to discuss personal business. - Pro 2:
You can get an instant response from your partners at work. You do not have to wait for a reply in an e-mail. This comes in handy when you are trying to get a quick response for a specific event or order. - Con 2:
Instant messaging may cause a distraction among the employees. Your employees may waste a lot of time talking to their friends and family and neglect their work duties. As a solution to help solve this problem, employees or partners should be aware that consequences could be implemented if unnecessary chat sections are going on between friends and family rather professional use. - Pro 3:
Instant messages can be saved and used as documentation for future conversations. This will allow you to reference a conversation you had with one of your customers or vendors if a problem occurs. - Con 3:
By using instant messaging, virus infections and other security risks can occur. If friends and family members send you, files at work you are probably better off not opening them. Since file sharing is a feature that instant messaging offers, viruses can also be downloaded that way. A program can be set up to lower the risk of downloading a virus, which is a major plus.
It is up to the business as to whether or not to use instant messaging. There are many advantages and disadvantages to this type of technology. The key is to use a strict policy if an employer decides to utilize instant messaging in the work place.
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This is a great post!
ReplyDeleteWe just got Instant Messaging in my work last week! Its a great system to have to catch the attention of any of your co-workers.
You've brought up some great points!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately in my last 2 jobs we did not have access to Instant Messaging. It posed to much of a distraction and the priveledge had been abused in the past. But if used correctly it certainly would be a positive contribution to the workplace!
I like your pro and con approach to IMing.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
ReplyDeleteI personally have not had the experience to have IM at work. After reading your pros and cons though, if I was a manager, I think that I would rather not to implement this system, as I think that the cons overweight the pros.