Social networks still blocked by many employers

Despite the fact that they can boost employee engagement, social networking websites like Facebook and Twitter are still outlawed in a large number of workplaces, according to new research from internet security specialist Clearswift

The firm claims that almost a third of UK offices have banned social networks during working hours.

One of the main reasons for the moratorium on Twitter and Facebook in the office is that if they are not used cautiously they can pose a major security threat to companies.

Clearswift found that 32 per cent of UK businesses have now blocked such sites - up from just nine per cent in 2009 - and the company believes it is because managers are getting more tech savvy.

Recent headlines about security breaches at Sony and the CIA - among other organisations - have caused many companies to be more cautious when it comes to internet security and unfettered web access appears to be one of the first things to be reined in.

Clearswift chief operating officer Andrew Wyatt said: "The big challenge for organisations is that public and private use of social networking sites has blurred."

He added: "On one hand, employees are using social networking tools for managing activities in their private life - but accessing these tools from corporate systems. On the other hand, employees are being asked to carry out specific tasks relating to work via the same social networks."

Clearswift notes that the clampdown on workplace social network use is not exclusive to the UK and is actually taking place around the world. Some 56 per cent of businesses admitted to censoring some websites and many are even tracking their employees' internet activity.

Recently, research conducted at the National University of Singapore showed that employee engagement can be boosted and workers can be rejuvenated after a little bit of time spent browsing the web at work - highlighting the potential for offering unfettered internet access as a flexible benefit.