Should You Keep Your Employees from Using TikTok on Work Devices?
/There’s no doubt that TikTok is on its way to taking over the world. With hundreds of viral songs and dances over the years, the platform has become a popular pastime for people of all ages, and the workplace is not excluded.
Remote work is also on the rise, so it’s not uncommon for employees to have access to company devices at home. But should employees be allowed to use TikTok on those devices, or should policies be put in place to prevent this?
In this article, we'll take a look at the arguments for and against allowing employees to use TikTok at work to help you determine what's best for your organization. Read on to gain insight into both sides of this hot debate.
Why Shouldn’t Employees Be Allowed to Use TikTok on Work Devices?
Despite its popularity, TikTok has raised several concerns over recent years, from privacy to productivity. This is especially relevant in workplaces, where employees are expected to meet certain company objectives while they’re on the clock. Distractions, security, and professionalism are the main disadvantages employers should consider when it comes to TikTok on company devices.
Distractions
TikTok can be a major distraction, leading to decreased productivity when it’s time to complete tasks at work. This is one of the biggest worries for employers, as their employees may find themselves spending too much time on the app while at work. If their focus is on watching videos, it may result in decreased motivation to check off the tasks that need to be done while on the clock.
Security
Another huge problem with TikTok is privacy and security, especially for organizations that handle sensitive customer or financial data. With employees having access to company information on work devices, there is always a risk of information being leaked or cyberattacks. TikTok has been the subject of numerous security concerns, and employers should consider the potential risks involved before allowing employees to use the app on work devices.
Professionalism
It’s not difficult to see how allowing employees to use TikTok on work devices can impact professionalism in the workplace. The app can be seen as unprofessional overall, and the content employees post can reflect poorly on the company culture. Employers should consider their company's image and reputation before allowing employees to use TikTok on work devices, as it’s nearly impossible to control how they behave on the app when access is not blocked.
Why Should Employees Be Allowed to Use TikTok on Work Devices?
Although there are some valid arguments against employees using TikTok on work devices, there’s also another side of the argument that should be taken into account. From a boost in employee morale to work-life balance and insight into social trends, TikTok in the workplace may not be all bad for some organizations.
Employee Morale
The use of TikTok on work devices has the potential to boost employee morale overall. Taking a quick break from work to watch a funny video or participate in a challenge can help break up the monotony of the workday and promote positivity. Further, the challenges and dance videos on TikTok can encourage employees to collaborate and tap into their creativity.
Work-Life Balance
Another argument for allowing TikTok on work devices is that it can improve work-life balance. When employees are allowed to take a step back from their work tasks, they can take a mental break and recharge. Employers may be pleasantly surprised to see their employees returning to work with improved focus and productivity without such strict rules in place.
Social Trends
TikTok can be a valuable tool for employees to stay up to date with current social trends. By participating in challenges and following popular TikTok accounts, employees can learn what's happening in the world and apply that knowledge to their work.
This may include scoping out competitors and understanding your target audience on a deeper level to develop new products or services that resonate better. Additionally, employees posting videos and going viral on the platform may bring you more business. Overall, TikTok on work devices can support innovation and creativity in the workplace.
Final Thoughts
The decision of whether to allow employees to use TikTok on work devices is a complex one with valid arguments on both sides. It ultimately comes down to what's best for your organization, taking into consideration factors such as employee morale, work-life balance, security concerns, and professional image.
If you do decide to allow employees to use TikTok, it's important to have clear guidelines and policies in place to manage its use in the workplace.
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