Brazilians like social networks and many of them are highlighted among us. However, it is necessary to find the limit for its use, either at work or in personal life. For companies, for example, the use of WhatsApp can pose risks for both the organization and the professional’s performance.

In this post, check out what are the main problems we may encounter when there is no policy for using this tool at work!

How is the practice of WhatsApp in the corporate environment?

We are in the midst of an informational revolution. Currently, we find three generations living together and presenting the best in each one for the corporate environment: generation X, Y, Z. Each one deals with technology in its own way.

However, if the subject is communication networks, regardless of age, it is necessary to pay attention, as everyone is at the mercy of several problems when this practice is adopted without any care, rules, or monitoring by managers.

After being bought by Mark Zuckenberg, WhatsApp became a powerhouse: as of 2014, it became the most downloaded app, with more than 1.5 billion users. That is why, when talking about the use of this network at work, care, common sense and usage policies are necessary.

What are the risks of using Whatsapp in companies?

With all these changes in the information medium, it is normal that we are going through an adaptation process. However, it is necessary to know the risks involved in using WhatsApp at work and how it can be harmful to the employee and the company.

Generates a lack of security

“Data is the new oil”. This quote, created by London mathematician Clive Humby, has been used by many entrepreneurs to demonstrate the importance of data and the gains that can be obtained by its good use.

However, many companies lose when they do not control the sharing of information, that is, data. WhatsApp allows prints, photos, and easy sharing between users. It is very difficult for any information to remain confidential when transmitted through this network, either through private or group conversations.

Reduces productivity

Brazilians spend almost 1 hour a day on social networks, and WhatsApp is the leader of the distraction. This is what a survey by ProdutivoApp states, published by tech blog. Many people justify that they “lose track of time when they are together with the device”, and some are unable to receive a message and not answer it at the same time.

With these attitudes, employees will spend more time involved in particular problems, and important company issues will not be addressed. Therefore, it will be very easy to get distracted and leave, even if not the intention, many tasks aside – and, thus, the productivity index will reduce.

Whatsapp in companies harms networking

Daily work needs good contacts. When the social network is personal, it is easy for family problems to interfere with communication with other professionals. Possibly, the employee who constantly uses social networks at work will not establish relationships that can bring advantages to the development of his career.

Whatsapp in business takes personal life to work

We receive many messages every day – and some people want immediate responses. However, during work, it is often not possible to reply to personal messages. If an employee has access to the application, he or she will likely begin to solve personal problems at work, and the line between personal and professional life will become very blurred – with some part being damaged.

What is the importance of usage policies?

Usage policies are essential to ensure that professionals do not experience the risks of misuse of communication networks at work. The lack of monitoring tools to verify whether the use has been personal or professional is one of the reasons why the creation of standards is so important. Therefore, it is essential that employees are instructed on the use of the application and inspection, and that they receive the procedure manual.

What tools to look for?

It is possible to use better tools than WhatsApp for internal company communication. An example is imMail, which allows companies to standardize, manage and audit their instant communication, in addition to presenting other options, such as notifications or distribution of paychecks.

It is necessary to adapt to new technologies, however, the use of WhatsApp in companies can be harmful. It is therefore important to research and find platforms for which they will have productive use and favor both the company and the employee.

And then? Did you notice how WhatsApp in companies, despite being a good communication tool, can be risky for work? If you liked this content, share it on social networks and help other collaborators.