Nearly one-third of UK companies are blocking access to social networks over security fears even though they realise the potential benefits of adopting Web 2.0 tools, according to a new study.
The Work Life Web 2011 report, published by Clearswift, indicates that UK companies blocking access to social media sites rose by one-fifth to 29%.
According to Clearswift COO Andrew Wyatt, the sharp rise comes as a result of high profile data breaches such as the Sony hack. The subsequent data thefts show that many businesses are taking a “knee-jerk” reaction and banning use of sites such as Twitter and Facebook at work, Wyatt said.
Nearly all UK companies (91%) said fears over data loss and other security concerns are actually holding back tech adoption, which could potentially stifle innovation and alienate workers, Wyatt said.
Just over half (53%) of managers identified social media usage as an issue of concern. General security fears (58%) was top of the list of concerns, followed by worries about the loss of confidential data via employees (46%), and concerns about data loss via external hacking (41%).
Despite this many UK companies acknowledge the growing importance and influence of social media tools. Over half (58%) of the UK companies involved in the study saw web collaboration as critical to their company’s future growth and 31% said they are planning to invest more in social media this year than last.
The impact social media has had in UK businesses means that many workers have come to rely on it to do their job, and businesses looking to introduce tighter control on access could face a backlash. The study found that 18% of workers would feel de-motivated and 4% would even consider leaving. Most worryingly from a security point of view, 19% said they would find a way around the policy.
The survey was carried out online in June 2011 and spoke to 1,529 employees and 906 managers at companies from the UK, US, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands, and Japan.