In a newly updated resource, global HR research and advisory firm McLean & Company explains the importance of making better use of technology, including social media, to deliver on organizational goals and priorities. HR’s expertise is the key to unlocking social media’s potential to engage the workforce and attract external audiences. The firm’s updated HR Guide to Social Media highlights that HR, as a strategic partner, must develop a flexible and adaptable plan that incorporates both internal and external perspectives to maximise social media’s value to the organisation.
As the social media landscape rapidly evolves, organisations must keep up or risk falling behind. According to the newly updated HR Guide to Social Media from global HR research and advisory firm McLean & Company, it is essential for HR to have the right knowledge in order to maximise social media as a beneficial tool. Though social media presents exceptional opportunities to help HR deliver on expected goals and priorities, many HR organisations are not yet maximising its full potential. According to supporting research from the firm, only 65% of organizations are making better use of technology, including social media, to evolve HR practices. The firm’s refreshed guide has been designed to support HR organisations looking to maximise social media as a tool to enhance employer branding and talent acquisition efforts, reinforce organisational culture, and improve communication and collaboration.
“With new platforms, features, and user behaviours constantly emerging, social media shapes how people find and do their work,” says Elysca Fernandes, director, HR Research & Advisory Services at McLean & Company. “However, the sheer volume of content and multitude of social media applications can make it overwhelming to figure out HR’s role in the social media landscape. HR’s challenge is to cut through the noise by identifying opportunities to use social media that align with organisational priorities.”
McLean & Company’s guide highlights that strengthening HR’s branding and marketing skills boosts talent attraction and organisational culture, complementing social media’s value to the organisation. The firm explains that internal benefits include a reinforced organisational culture, improved communication, and enabling collaboration, while external benefits involve enhanced talent acquisition, promotion of the employer brand, and an amplified employee value proposition (EVP).
To help HR leaders unlock the full potential of social media in an ever-changing landscape and enjoy the benefits of maximising its use, McLean & Company has divided the HR Guide to Social Media into three sections:
- Attract external audiences. Section one provides an overview of how to use social media within HR to enhance the employer brand, promote the EVP, and attract the right candidates to the organisation.
- Engage internal audiences. The second section describes how to use social media internally to reinforce the desired culture, cultivate a collaborative work environment, market HR’s value, and boost communication.
- Develop a social media plan for HR. Section three outlines best practices, considerations, and recommendations for developing a data-driven social media plan for HR that aligns with the broader organisational strategy.
In the refreshed guide, McLean & Company advises HR leaders that in the fast-paced world of social media, what worked one day may not work the next day. With new social media platforms regularly emerging and existing platforms constantly changing, HR must continuously evaluate and optimise its efforts. Being adaptable and vigilant to changing trends is crucial to staying ahead of the game and enjoying long-term success.
To access the full HR Guide to Social Media resource, please contact ktame@infotech.com.
