Having trouble with social media addicted employees? This might help you out

It’s midday at the office and everyone’s right at their desk, but you feel that something’s amiss. 

You notice some members of your team glued to the screens of their smartphones, fingers swiping and tapping with a rhythm that has nothing to do with work. 

It's a common scene in workplaces around the world, and it's a sign that some of your employees may be hooked on social media. 

A study published on ScienceDirect shows that around 210 million people worldwide admit to social media addiction. 

As HR managers, understanding why this happens and how to address it is crucial for creating solutions that will address this challenge. 

READ MORE | Can gamifying employee engagement improve retention?

Social media distraction: Why it happens

"FOMO" or “Fear of Missing Out” is a powerful motivator for social media addiction. 

In an era where every update, notification, and trending topic seems vital, employees often fear missing out on something important. 

This fear drives them to repeatedly check their social media profiles throughout the day, even during work hours.

Stress relief plays a role too. Social media provides a quick escape from the pressures of work, offering a momentary respite from deadlines and demands. 

Employees may turn to it as a coping mechanism, which can lead to excessive usage.

Procrastination is another contributing factor. The allure of social media can be overpowering when faced with tedious tasks or procrastination. 

A quick glance at social media platforms can seem like a much-needed break, but it often spirals into extended distractions.

Lack of awareness compounds the issue. Sometimes, employees may not even realize how much time they spend on social media during work hours. 

This lack of self-awareness can make it challenging to address the issue.

READ MORE | How active listening can enable leaders to manage Gen Z talent

The importance of addressing social media addiction

Excessive social media use can significantly hamper productivity. It can also harm an employee's professional image and reputation. 

On the flip side, encouraging a healthier relationship with social media can reduce stress and improve mental well-being among employees, fostering a more positive workplace environment.

It’s not about banning social media but more about fostering a culture of professionalism and accountability within the workforce. 

By helping employees manage their usage, you can enhance their focus and effectiveness at work.

6 ways to combat social media addiction in the workplace

Set clear expectations

Define social media policies. Establish clear guidelines regarding social media usage during work hours. Communicate these policies to employees and ensure they understand the expectations. Encourage them to use social media responsibly during designated break times.

Promote time management

Encourage employees to use time management techniques like time blocking. Allocate specific time slots for work and breaks, including social media breaks. This allows employees to indulge in their social media activities without compromising productivity.

Provide alternative break activities

Promote “healthy distractions” as alternatives to social media breaks. Create a break area with engaging activities such as puzzles, books, or even a mini-gym to give employees healthier distractions during their downtime.

Raise awareness

Introduce tools and apps that help employees track their social media usage. These tools provide insights into their online behavior, making them more aware of how much time they spend on social media.

Encourage digital detox challenges

Organise digital detox challenges where employees voluntarily commit to reducing their social media usage for a set period. Provide incentives or rewards for those who successfully complete the challenge, fostering a sense of accomplishment.

Training and workshops on social media literacy 

Offer workshops and training sessions on social media literacy. Educate employees about the potential pitfalls of excessive usage, privacy concerns, and maintaining a work-life balance.

It's easier than you think

Addressing social media addiction within your workforce is not an insurmountable challenge. 

Understanding the reasons behind this behaviour and implementing these strategies can create a more productive, engaged, and mentally healthy work environment.

Remember, the goal is not to ban social media but to help employees balance their online and offline worlds. 

With clear policies, encouragement, and awareness, your organisation can effectively engage its social media-hooked workforce, resulting in a happier, more focused, and ultimately more successful team.

By taking these steps, you can guide your employees toward a healthier relationship with social media while ensuring that productivity and well-being remain at the forefront of your organisational culture.