Part 2: commenting an article

 Link to the article that I’m going to comment: https://vorecol.com/blogs/blog-the-role-of-social-media-in-enhancing-internal-communication-8648

The article was about the role of social media in organizations and their internal communication. The content of the article was very relatable. The article mentioned studies about employees’ experiences, such as in teamwork and collaboration. 

The article said that social media improves internal communication, employees are more committed and feel like they are more involved with other workers and the workplace. This can lead to more satisfaction of workers and stability. All this might conclude to better productivity and success of the place.

As I said, the article was relatable to me and I completely agree with it. It also helped that there were statistics mentioned to improve the reliability of the article. However, I also think that there are downsides to social media. It might be a pathway to bullying and lower the threshold to mean comments inside the work community. 

How to use social media at workplace context

I used to work in a grocery store. We used a lot of social channels in digital form to connect with each other and report. 

We didn’t have any meetings with the staff, but we had a chat group in this app called Workday. In the app, we were able to ask about new products or anything that seemed uncertain during the shift. It was great, because there was a low threshold to send a message and ask questions. We also used it to inform others, for example in case a client wanted a special product and it needed to be handed to them during the next shift. Besides that, we had an app in which we could request shifts.

In a grocery store, of course there are many apps and contacts you need when ordering more stock to a store. However, I’m not so familiar with them. I used different kinds of apps to make price tags and campaigns. Those are not social media apps, but that’s pretty much my experience. Mostly I spent my time in the store. I do know that my boss used email a lot and had digital courses and meetings. 

Besides these things, we haven’t had lots of social media platforms to use.

BLOG POST 2: Social Media and Organizational Culture at Aurala

 Welcome back! In this second post, I’ll dive into how social media affects workplace communication and culture at Aurala.

What impact has social media had on workplace communication?
Previously, communication was mostly top-down—via emails, memoranda, and formal meetings. With platforms like Teams, Facebook groups, and WhatsApp, the culture has moved to more horizontal and informal communication.

• Employees share success tales very instantaneously.
• Team leaders provide motivating updates via chat.
• Photos from events are posted in real time.
• There is more transparency, spontaneity, and collaboration.

This rapid and flexible communication method has helped to minimize hierarchy and make workers feel more involved, even if they work in separate departments or areas.

Impact on Organizational Culture.
Social media has increased Aurala's corporate culture.

• Openness allows individuals to openly exchange ideas and comments.
• Connected - several components interact more frequently.
• Youthful and vibrant, particularly through Instagram and visual storytelling.

It additionally develops a sense of informal community, boosting morale and motivation. Employees celebrate birthdays, new initiatives, and even simple "coffee moments" together digitally.

However, it need equilibrium. Not everyone wishes to be active online. Some people prefer face-to-face interactions. It is critical that digital culture does not replace human connection, but rather enhances it.

 I found a SlideShare presentation: "Social Media and the Workplace"
👉 View it here

The article investigates how social media affects professional communication, both inside and outside. It emphasizes crucial benefits such as better cooperation, real-time updates, and employee engagement. It also addresses significant dangers, such as privacy concerns and the necessity for a defined social media policy.

These concepts are highly relevant to what is going on in Aurala. For example, although platforms like Teams and Facebook improve internal bonding and external outreach, Aurala emphasizes the significance of privacy and professional boundaries, particularly when dealing with sensitive client groups.

BLOG POST 1: Social Media Tools and Rules at Aurala

 Organization: Oulun Seudun Uusyrityskeskus / Auralan Setlementti.

Aurala works with adolescents, adults, and families to provide educational programs, counseling, and community-building activities. They promote inclusiveness, education, and well-being across all age groups.

How does Aurala utilize social media internally?

Aurala utilizes a variety of digital platforms for both internal communication and client outreach. For daily activities, they rely on digital platforms such as:

• Microsoft Teams is used for employee communication, short updates, and internal group conversations.
•  Outlook and intranet is used for official communication, document sharing, and announcements.
•  Timmi or other scheduling systems are used for booking venues, managing work shifts, and organizing events.   

Aurala is active on the following social media platforms like

• Facebook - to promote events, share news, and engage with local communities
• Instagram - for promoting youth events, learning settings, and cultural initiatives.
• YouTube is occasionally used for project videos or marketing content.

These technologies are utilized for both professional and informal reasons, including team bonding and behind-the-scenes footage.

Social Media Rules for Staff
Aurala has specific communication standards for personnel that use social media:

• Content must represent the organization's ideals (respect, inclusivity, and equality).
• No client-specific information or photographs may be shared without consent.
• Political, inflammatory, or personal ideas should not be shared via the organization's account.
• Staffs are advised to maintain a professional demeanor and keep their personal profiles distinct from their work ones.                                                                                                                  

Risks in Using Social Media

While social media increases exposure and accessibility, it also creates hazards:

• Privacy problems (particularly with vulnerable clients such as minors or immigrants)
• Miscommunication or improper posts that may harm reputation.
• Burnout from "always online"

As a result, Aurala places priority on training and setting clear boundaries for employees who manage these accounts.

Summary

Social media is incorporated into Aurala's daily routine—not just as a marketing tool, but also as a link between people, programs, and ideas. Still, appropriate use and clear communication guidelines are essential for keeping it ethical and professional.

📍 Stay tuned for Blog Post #2: How Social Media Is Shaping Workplace Culture at Aurala.

How to use social media at workplace context

I used to work in a grocery store. We used a lot of social channels in digital form to connect with each other and report. 

We didn’t have any meetings with the staff, but we had a chat group in this app called Workday. In the app, we were able to ask about new products or anything that seemed uncertain during the shift. It was great, because there was a low threshold to send a message and ask questions. We also used it to inform others, for example in case a client wanted a special product and it needed to be handed to them during the next shift. 

In a grocery store, of course there are many apps and contacts you need when ordering more stock to a store. However, I’m not so familiar with them. I used different kinds of apps to make price tags and campaigns. Those are not social media apps, but that’s pretty much my experience. Mostly I spent my time in the store. I do know that my boss used email a lot and had digital courses and meetings. 

Besides these things, we haven’t had lots of social media platforms to use.

Theme 6 

part 02 

Social Media in Organizational Communication:

"Social Media in the Workplace" - LinkedIn Learning

• Link: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/social-media-in-the-workplace
• This comprehensive course covers how organizations can effectively integrate social media into their communication strategy while maintaining professionalism and addressing security concerns.
• Relevance to your context: The video explores how educational institutions can balance professional communication with engagement, which directly applies to your preschool setting where maintaining appropriate boundaries with parents is crucial.

"Internal Communication Trends" - The Staffbase Channel (YouTube)

• Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WqzRUoQPgk
• This video discusses how digital communication tools are transforming internal workplace communication.
• Relevance to your context: The insights about creating effective communication channels between staff members would help optimize coordination among your preschool teachers.

"Social Media for Schools: Communication Strategies for Education" - SchoolComms (YouTube)

• Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsY_XEVk24g
• This educational webinar focuses specifically on how schools can leverage social media for improved communication with parents and the community.
• Relevance to your context: The video provides practical strategies for early childhood education settings to showcase student activities while maintaining privacy and security.

 

Social Media in a Preschool Workplace Context:

Organization Description

Based on your information, I'll analyze the use of social media and digital communication tools in a Sri Lankan preschool setting where you work as a teacher with 6 years of experience, collaborating with children and other preschool teachers.

Digital and Social Media Tools Used

For Everyday Office Work

• Digital information systems: Likely using basic student management software to track attendance, developmental progress, and contact information
• Administrative tools: Email systems for formal communication with parents and staff
• Documentation platforms: Digital portfolios to document children's work and development

For Meetings and Communication

• Messaging apps: Probably using WhatsApp or similar platforms for quick staff communications
• Video conferencing: Platforms like Zoom or Google Meet for virtual parent-teacher meetings or staff training
• Shared calendars: For coordinating events, staff meetings, and important dates

For Providing Information

• School website: Central hub for general information about the preschool
• Social media pages: Facebook page to share announcements and showcase classroom activities
• Email newsletters: Regular updates sent to parents

For Management Issues

• Shift scheduling apps: Potentially using digital scheduling tools to organize teacher rotations
• Shared documents: Google Docs or similar platforms for collaborative planning
• Task management tools: Basic project management systems for tracking responsibilities

For Maintaining Company Spirit

• Private staff groups: WhatsApp or Facebook groups for team building and social interaction
• Photo sharing: Platforms to share moments from school events and celebrations
• Recognition systems: Digital recognition of staff achievements and milestones

Formal vs. Informal Channels

• Formal channels: Email, official school website, parent portals, formal documentation systems
• Informal channels: WhatsApp groups, staff social media connections, instant messaging platforms

Social Media Rules for Staff

Typical rules in a preschool setting likely include:

1. Privacy protection: Strict policies against sharing identifiable photos of children without proper permissions
2. Professional boundaries: Guidelines about connecting with parents on personal social media
3. Content appropriateness: Standards for what can be posted about the school, even on personal accounts
4. Brand consistency: Rules about how the school's name and image can be represented online
5. Confidentiality: Prohibition against discussing specific children or families on social media
6. Response protocols: Guidelines for responding to inquiries or comments on official channels
7. Crisis communication: Clear procedures for what should not be discussed on social media during sensitive situations

Risks of Social Media Use

1. Privacy breaches: Inadvertent sharing of children's information or images
2. Reputational damage: Negative feedback spreading quickly online
3. Boundary confusion: Blurring of professional and personal relationships
4. Misinformation spread: Incorrect information being shared in school-related groups
5. Time management: Staff spending excessive time on social media during work hours
6. Security concerns: Potential for account hacking or data breaches
7. Legal issues: Copyright violations or compliance failures related to children's privacy laws

How Social Media Has Changed Working Life Communication

1. Accelerated information flow: Faster updates and responses than traditional methods
2. Expanded parent engagement: More continuous communication between school and families
3. Visual documentation: Ability to share photographs and videos of classroom activities
4. Community building: Creating virtual communities among staff, parents, and supporters
5. Marketing opportunities: Showcasing the preschool's unique approach and activities
6. Professional development: Connecting with other educators globally for idea sharing
7. Expectation management: Parents now expect more immediate and frequent communication

Social Media's Influence on Organizational Culture

Formal Aspects

• Documentation procedures: Shift toward digital documentation of activities and learning
• Communication hierarchies: Flattened communication structure with more direct access
• Policy development: Need for comprehensive digital communication policies
• Brand management: More conscious cultivation of the preschool's public image
• Professional standards: Higher expectations for digital literacy among staff

Informal Aspects

• Team connectivity: More continuous connection among staff members
• Speed of information: Faster sharing of updates and changes
• Work-life boundaries: Blurring of work and personal time with always-on communication
• Peer learning: Informal sharing of teaching strategies and materials
• Group identity: Strengthened sense of belonging through shared digital spaces