As of July 2014, Facebook boasted over 1.3 billion users overall, with 680 million mobile users. The average user is also connected to 80 pages, groups and events at any given time. Of course, the same Facebook can be a thorn in a corporate paw: Time on Facebook usually means wasted hours and less efficiency.
But what if an organization could harness Facebook as a force for good in the L&D sphere? Hey, employees are probably updating their statuses anyway; why not make it count? The recent release of Facebook Groups as a standalone app makes it even easier to create a private space on the Web where colleagues can collaborate, share information and yes, have a little fun. As long as proper security and confidentiality measures are met, you can incorporate any number of training and development interactions into your next Facebook break.
- Project-Based Groups
When a group is collaborating together, not every communication requires a face-to-face meeting. Facebook Groups is ideal for putting together teams and ensuring they’re in constant contact for the little stuff, as well as the big stuff.
- Specialty Events
Special events and incentives aren’t always appropriate meeting fodder, so the more casual environment of the Facebook Group makes it a no-brainer to announce stuff like sales contests or health initiatives.
- Team Morale
Whether it’s a funny meme or an inspirational video, Facebook Groups offers a forum for CLOs, HR pros and even Chief Culture Officers to deposit morale-boosting media. What’s more, the sense of inclusion and community within the group can work wonders for worker satisfaction.
- Instant Notifications
Let’s face it: We all love seeing notifications pop up on our profiles. But that’s what makes Facebook Groups so genius for work. Instant notifications means the team always has up-to-the-minute information, even if it’s a last-minute change or a reminder for a conference.
- Project Management
With a number of colleagues working together, the elected project manager can sometimes lose sight of various assigned duties and delegated tasks. Keeping contact information, basic updates and team responsibilities in one central place streamlines the process.
- Open Communication Across Roles
Put an entry-level employee in the same room with the CEO and chances are that the entry-level employee won’t voice much of an opinion. Opening a casual line of communication through Facebook encourages more idea-sharing across roles, since social media can be a major equalizer for managers and employees alike.
- Branded Communication
Facebook Groups is a simple way to continue branding, graphics and media across a number of channels. As employees interact with each other through the branded page, it creates a seamless experience in combination with mobile updates, formal training and written communication.
Facebook can definitely be a distraction in the workplace, but it doesn’t mean it has to be viewed as an inherently negative thing. By creating a standalone app for Groups, Facebook makes it even more possible for companies to harness the power of social media and eLearning for the greater good; and who doesn’t like that?
