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news opinion
Is social media an unwelcome cost to business – like drug abuse and alcoholism clearly are?
Normally, you wouldn’t put social media in the same space as drink and drugs. But law firm Blake Lapthorn argues that all three are having a detrimental impact on business productivity.
The firm has conducted a survey that appears to show that employers are increasingly concerned about the negative effects social media, drugs and alcohol are having on their businesses as the distinctions between work and home life become more and more blurred.
The lawyers are worried that Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin are becoming a bit too addictive for some employees in some companies. Social media is itself a drug, and many employers don’t have a policy to deal with it.
And on drink, the firm says: “Patterns of alcohol abuse have changed and weekend bingers are affecting productivity through poor performance or absenteeism at the beginning of the working week.“ Monday is therefore a write-off. And, even when a staff member does shake off his or her hangover, there’s every chance more time will be wasted as the employee tweets away at their desk.
“Social media interactions are no longer restricted to being just outside working hours but are also conducted on social networks such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter throughout the working day – and not necessarily on the employer’s equipment.“
We hear so much about the value of social networking – and there are countless consultants out there trying to give us the benefit of their advice on the matter – so it’s interesting to hear a contradictory view that suggests that many employers are not coping so well with these “emerging lifestyle trends“.
David Murray, Publisher
www.businessmag.co.uk
Dragons’ Den star to headline Awards
Award-winning businesswoman and entrepreneur Hilary Devey is to share the secrets of her success as she takes centre stage at this year’s prestigious Thames Valley Business Magazine Awards.
As founder and chief executive of Pall-Ex, Devey revolutionised the pallet distribution industry in the UK in the mid-1990s, creating a business network which now boasts revenues of some £100 million.
Awards chairman David Murray, said: “We’re thrilled that Hilary Devey will be joining us as guest of honour and host for our awards evening. Many will recognise her from Dragons’ Den, where her support, advice and guidance for those starting out in business is invaluable.
“Hilary’s determination to succeed and the way she was brave enough to self-fund her business when she was unable to secure financial backing, make her an inspiration to each and every one of us.
“Here in the Thames Valley we know there are many excellent businesses, high achievers, entrepreneurs and innovators who have the ability, the acumen and the expertise to follow in her footsteps. This is their chance to shine and we can’t wait to hear from them.”
Entries for the 2012 awards have just opened and organisers want to attract the brightest and the best companies in the region. Now in their 18th year, past winners include Symantec, SDL, GCS and Wireless Logic.
This year two new categories join the line-up – the Green Progress Award, sponsored by Grundon Waste Management, will be looking for businesses who demonstrate true commitment to
Hilary Devey
the sustainability agenda, while The Best Use of Technology is being recognised by leading technology expert Pulsant.
Other categories include the most dynamic business and the best company to work for, while management teams will be given the chance to show why they deserve a pat on the back for their leadership skills. The SME category celebrates the success of the sector in the Thames Valley, while the overall business of the year award puts the spotlight on consistent performance, profitability and support for the wider community.
In addition to the prestige of receiving an award, many past winners say the achievement has brought added dividends with clients, employees and partners.
Oliver Tucker, managing director of Wireless Logic, which won Dynamic Business of the Year 2011, said: “Being recognised by The Business Awards is a huge fillip to the commitment of our people and this, amongst other accolades in the last 12 months, has meant a great deal to our growing team. The awards have been good for us and for our business.”
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B THAMES VALLEYUSINESS MAGAZINE AWARDS 2012
Chris Bartlett, founder and managing director, of GCS Recruitment, a double winner in 2010, said: “The subsequent benefits for GCS from winning these awards have been twofold. They have certainly helped with our profile amongst more senior managers in the Thames Valley region and they have also played their part in attracting new employees to GCS.”
The full list of categories for 2012 is:
The Green Progress Award – sponsored by Grundon Waste Management
The Best Use of Technology – sponsored by Pulsant
The Business Management Team Award – sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland
The Dynamic Business Award – sponsored by Deloitte
The Thames Valley Business of the Year Award – sponsored by Pitmans
SME of the Year Award – sponsored by James Cowper
The Best Company to Work For
Entries close on September 21 and the awards will be presented on Thursday, November 15, at the Royal Berkshire Conference Centre, Madejski Stadium, Reading, when around 300 of the region’s business leaders and top companies are expected to attend.
Enter online at www.
businessawards.co.uk or email
linda@elcot.co.uk for further information.
In the July/August issue of The Business Magazine
• Thames Valley 250 • International Trade • Focus on Aim • Corporate Recovery
Details: 0118-9766411
sales@elcot.co.uk
THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – JUNE 2012
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