Almost half of the respondents questioned would refuse a job where they were not allowed access to social-networking sites, according to the study by Australian law firm Deacons.

The findings of the report pose problems for employers who fear the effects of social-networking sites on productivity and privacy but need to attract new employees.

"Younger employees are the ones who use social-networking sites and it's these people organisations are trying to attract," said Nick Abrahams, head of Deacons' law practice.

In Britain at least one in five bosses block access to Facebook with LloydsTSB, Credit Suisse and Goldman Sachs among the companies reported to have blocked employees visiting the site.

The Australian study of 700 workers, found most respondents thought organisations could benefit from allowing workers access to social-networking sites.

Among the reasons given were that it showed trust in employees, it gave people a break from day-to-day work and allowed them to better network with other employees, customers and suppliers.

Employers needed to weigh up the risks of allowing access with the risks of not allowing it, Abrahams said.

Apart from productivity concerns, Abrahams said the risks of social-networking sites were system performance, because downloading images and videos slows company computer systems, and workplace issues such as harrassment claims.

Other research has also claimed that Facebook and social networks in general can compromise a firm's security.

www.deacons.com.au
www.facebook.com

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