Most companies haven't created policies against social networking sites, but that doesn't mean employees should waste ample office time socializing online. Fifty-nine percent of respondents, according to a survey completed by Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. that questioned 200 human resource professionals, say their company doesn't enforce rules against visiting social networking sites such as LinkedIn, MySpace or Facebook. And only 23 percent of respondents block entry to these sites during the workday.

"Social networking sites are a relatively new phenomenon, which is why a majority of companies still have no formal policy regarding their use," says John A. Challenger, chief executive officer. "However, that is changing daily as more companies come to realize both the pros and cons of giving employees access to these sites."

Thirty-three percent of HR professionals think the social sites cause a major drain on worker productivity; however, 47 percent don't consider these sites a problem unless employees aren't able to complete their work. Some businesses support the use of social networking. Ten percent of respondents say the social sites are helpful marketing, networking and sales tools, while 6 percent encourage employees to work on social profiles.

"Employers face the challenge of maintaining a productive workplace while allowing their employees access to sites that facilitate communication with a variety of resources," says Challenger. "More companies will be forced to address the issue as the number of workers using these sites continues to grow."

Not only can productivity be affected, but social sites may also lead to computer issues. The sites create more of a demand on bandwidth, and can cause more vulnerability to hackers and viruses. Personal profiles may harm a company's credibility if business content or secrets are leaked through the sites.

Even with these possible consequences, some businesses value social networking as an enhancement in company and worker productivity.

"Some companies are choosing to use social networking sites to their advantage instead of banning them," says Challenger. "These sites can be used to communicate with current and former colleagues, as well as other industry professionals, share best practices, meet customers, resolve issues and answer questions."

Certain online social sites focus on networking among business professionals. LinkedIn, Plaxo, Ecademy and Ryze are examples of places that assist in connecting workers through blogs, discussion groups or profiles.

"Of course, every company must examine its workplace and evaluate whether social networking has the potential to be a valuable tool or simply another distraction," adds Challenger.

For more information, visit www.challengergray.com.

NEED LIFE GOALS TO SUCCEED

The hope to develop a company tops goals set by workers, even if life ambitions aren't popular among all employees. Thirty-three percent of respondents, according to a survey by SUCCESS magazine that received 1,200 responses, say they want to run their own company. Thirty-one percent of workers wish to retire early, followed by the hope to raise a family at 16 percent, and the desire to buy a dream house or get in shape at 10 percent.

The unpredictable economy as well as job cuts may have added to the ambition of opening a business; workers could gain more control over their financial goals.

"We were surprised to find that nearly one in five Americans answered 'No' when asked if they had life goals," says Darren Hardy, publisher and editorial director of SUCCESS. "This sentiment encouraged us to create our list of 27 resources that could help get people on the path to success. The No. 1 resource — a personal list of life goals."

Other resources for success include: gaining a mentor or coach, continuing to read and learn, keeping up-to-date on current events and obtaining an assistant, either at the office or online at AssistU.com.

For more information, visit www.successmagazine.com.

To find out more about Amy Winter and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CREATORS SYNDICATE INC.