Blogging in the Workplace
Use Blogs to Draw Employees Together and Create an Inclusive Culture
Jul 11, 2009
According to Clive Thompson in his February 13, 2006 New York Magazine article entitled “The Early Years”, the first blog ever was created in January 1994 by a Swarthmore student by the name of Justin Hall. On his blog, Links.net, Justin Hall wrote 15 years later, “When I started writing, I wanted to find a place for myself in the world.” And so, the history of blogging began with one student’s desire to belong.
The desire to fit in and belong is common not only among students but also among employees. The modern workplace is more than just a place of work. It is also a community, a place for people to discover new friends, build relationships, and challenge one another in a constructive way. As social beings people have a deep need to belong.
Innovative organizations use blogs to create a deeper sense of community, bring employees together, inspire creativity and celebrate successes.
Why Blog?
While there are many benefits to business blogging, the following are some of the top reasons organizations encourage and support workplace blogging:
- To discuss important people issues that affect employee morale, loyalty, and retention.
- To brainstorm on key client issues that affect the bottom line and place in the market.
- To share and celebrate successes.
- To encourage story-telling and instill creativity in people.
- To gather feedback about new products, services, or changes in policies and processes.
- To simply allow people to share how they feel about issues important to them.
Business Blogging Ideas:
The following questions will get the dialogue started and encourage employees to participate in workplace blogs:
- What can the company do to create a better workplace for its employees, and provide them with more growth and learning opportunities?
- What can the company do to create a greener and healthier workplace?
- What can the company do to attract and retain talent?
- What can the company do to improve the client experience?
- What additional services and products can the company offer to its clients to tap into their unmet needs?
Interesting Facts about Blogging:
- In December 2004, Merriam-Webster declared “blog” the word of the year.
- A study conducted in 2005 found that 32 million Americans read blogs.
- The Huffington Post is believed to be the most linked-to blog on the web.
- According to a Synovate/Marketing Daily study, nearly 4 out of 10 Americans have visited a blog, and 8% of Americans currently have their own blog.
Resources:
Clive Thompson. "The Early Years". New york Magazine, February 13, 2006
Adrienne W. Fawcett. "8 of 10 Americans Know about Blogs; Half Visit Them Regularly". www.mediapost.com, August 29, 2007
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