Corporate social networks and their contribution to internal communication

A large number of people who use the internet on their devices are browsing some social network. They perfectly study our behaviors and interests and do everything possible to be more and more attractive and demanded.

According to a study carried out by Statista, in 2020 3.6 billion people used a social network. However, by 2025 that number is expected to rise to 4.41 billion people.

The first ones that appear in our heads are surely facebook, twitter, instagram and tik tok. Although we can find many more on the market, these four are undoubtedly the most chosen within the field of personal entertainment.

However, in the world of organizations there are other types of platforms that are used for different purposes and are aimed at another specific audience. These business social networks also diversify according to the field.

Social networks for companies

Remote work during confinement forced organizations' communication teams to employ new strategies to keep their collaborators informed and connected to each other and to the organization.

Although it is a long-standing resource, we can find a remarkable takeoff in the use of business social networks, in the last two years. What at first was used only as an additional recreational tool, suddenly became one of the most important communication channels of companies.

For internal communication, it is an almost fundamental tool because it works together with the formal means of communication (such as mail, for example) but at the same time it contributes its share of recreation and participation. It is a medium that generates more horizontality because it invites all workers to participate regardless of their hierarchy and at the same time encourages socialization between workers from different teams.

In any case, it is true that it cannot be used indiscriminately for any organization or purpose. Ideally, its implementation should be the result of a comprehensive communication plan with objectives that justify its choice.

Benefits of implementing business social networks

Implementing these platforms in the daily use of an organization allows all employees to have the opportunity to express themselves, to have a voice, to tell their stories and give their opinions.

On the other hand, it has a factor linked to socialization since it facilitates the interaction of people from different teams who might not otherwise have met. Likewise, as it facilitates interaction, it allows the creation of groups by themes or projects that can be of temporary use to coordinate actions or tasks that must be carried out together.

Its informality gives it a rather relaxed tinge that allows workers to meet from another place and at the same time meet all together in a space where the hierarchies or the professional roles that each one occupies do not matter. Communication becomes more horizontal and bidirectional, as well as developing in real time.

Thanks to these tools, employees have the opportunity to learn more about the organization and the news that takes place there. Likewise, they can keep abreast of the achievements of their colleagues, promotions, new projects, income, etc.

If we talk about the direct benefits that these networks offer to organizations, we cannot fail to mention the possibility of humanizing the brand and generating a constant presence among its collaborators . In the same way, if used strategically, it can be a good tool to spread the culture and values of the organization.

The best known

As we have already mentioned, social networks are part of a strategic communication plan aligned with the general objectives of the organization. Platforms of this style become "the means to the end" and as such must be adapted to the needs of that moment. There are various social networks with multiple properties and facilities. What they all have in common is that whatever social network you want to implement, it must contribute to streamlining communication processes and not hinder them.

Some of the best known are:

Facebook workplace.

This social network has the particularity of being very simple to implement and use, due to the great resemblance it has to Facebook. It allows you to share company news, host documents in a resource library, create work team groups, chat and make high-definition video calls.

One of its greatest advantages is that it decentralizes internal communication because it allows the participation of all collaborators interested in interacting.

slack

This social network works through channels. All that are necessary for the organization can be created according to their areas, hierarchies, projects, etc. The channels can be public or private, restricting access to certain people depending on the case. In addition to the channels, it offers the possibility of individual chats.

yammer

It is a free social network that belongs to Microsoft. Its interface is very similar to facebook and other platforms where statuses or comments can be posted and other people can interact with that post. It allows you to create groups, events and access files that are in the cloud.

Google Suite

This social network is known for the large number of services it offers. It works very easily through email and has a large amount of cloud storage.

Documents can be shared with multiple online editors, schedule meetings, use internal chat, calendar, etc.

LinkedIn is not only used for searching for new job opportunities. It is also very beneficial for those seeking to connect with colleagues or professionals in similar fields from other cities or countries and expand their contact list in a particular field. It also allows you to collaborate on projects and generate community.

The objective of companies when implementing a business social network is to stimulate collaborative spaces , that is, to use them as another tool that helps generate belonging in their work team.