TikTok for work? Changes in the workplace due to social media
Social media usage in the workplace is no longer taboo. The use of social media may even become more common.
Social media for the workplace is not defined by traditional platforms like LinkedIn. This term refers to a wide range of media, including Twitter, Instagram, and newer, flashier services such as TikTok. They all cater to workers of all types – they aren’t exclusive to a certain demographic.
The CEO and COO of career consulting firm Wonsulting, respectively, Jonathan Javier and Jerry Lee, believe this evolution is likely to redefine how companies and employees view work. Wonsulting not only helped TikTok develop their career channel TikTok Resume, but also became the first company to help recruit on the video-centric social network.
Technological advancements
Today’s global environment has led to an increase in companies seeking innovative ways to move forward…
The question of how to move forward in the new era was asked by several people. Are millennials the only ones affected? Is it possible for baby boomers to make a move? Lee inquired. “That was really interesting because a lot of those roles didn’t just apply to Gen Z but also to several more senior roles as well.”
Social media has long been viewed as a threat rather than an asset by companies. Nevertheless, a study done by the social media advocacy platform Everyonesocial found that 80% of workers are already using social media at work – with 50% of them posting about their employer. The result is that employee content is seen by 561% more people than official company channels, and engagement is 800% higher, so employers must pay attention.
Javier and Lee spoke with EBN about how social media may affect the way we work in the future.
What makes so many companies use social media outlets to update their workplace strategies?
Lee: The process of hiring can be divided into two parts, according to our recruiting partners. This has the benefit of enabling smaller companies that have historically been unable to compete with larger ones to show off a little bit more about their culture, their work, and, most importantly, their people. When you apply to a company that you’ve never heard of, you’re getting a feel for its culture, its team, and the type of work that they do before even getting the chance to work there.
In addition, it lowered the barriers to entry for those seeking employment to stand out during the recruitment process. The top companies hire from the best schools and backgrounds; we won’t consider an application from someone without a Harvard, McKinsey, Goldman Sachs, or Google degree on their resume. Nowadays, people are switching from the traditional path to a non-traditional one, where they can showcase their passions and a lot of the work they’ve done through TikToks and other social media outlets.
Javier: It’s common to see people sharing their rejection stories on LinkedIn or even just on TikTok, describing their job search journeys. Using a reactive recruiting strategy, you are able to find opportunities as opposed to always being on the lookout for them. There are times when people will find these people’s posts on TikTok or LinkedIn and contact them directly, asking, ‘Hey, are you interested in interviewing for this position?’ So it isn’t just a situation of people searching for jobs now. Through social media, you build your brand.
What are TikTok, Twitter and Instagram’s staying powers? In terms of workplace social media, LinkedIn is a staple, but what about TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram?
Lee: Things are only going to get worse. Companies can promote their culture through social media, and TikTok is an excellent example of how they can do so. For example, Duolingo has historically been considered an app. In contrast, if you take a look at their TikTok presence, it is immediately evident how busy they are, but they also have time to engage with their culture. Take a look at accounts like Wendy’s on Twitter. People need to notice their page a lot for them to be successful. This shows how in touch they are with Gen Z because they are always on the cutting edge.
Additionally, from the perspective of talent acquisition, companies will make use of social media to differentiate themselves from just offering generous compensation packages. Applicants might be surprised to find more companies with a significant social media presence, as companies are tapping into social media more and more.
It would be remiss of us not to mention how social media can harm professionals. Are businesses capable of maintaining boundaries?
Lee: When it comes to social media, two variables play a major role. It’s a balancing act to keep them controversial and consider that they won’t be cancelled at the same time. Therefore, we will need to find a way to strike the right balance between these two variables. The brands that excel in it, such as Duolingo, Wendy’s, or Slim Jim on Instagram, will succeed.