Authors: Georgios Michailidis, Sotiris Gayialis

Title: The Impact of Social Media on Work: Job Satisfaction, Work Motivation and Communication among Employees

Abstract

Social networking is the practice of increasing someone’s business or social contacts by creating networks with other persons or organizations, often through social media One of the most popular social media is Facebook, numbering 2,2 billion active users worldwide. The aim of this study is to examine the impact of Facebook on work motivation and job satisfaction when: a) employees create work related posts and talk about their work on Facebook b) as a means of communication among employees. The study reviews the concepts of motivation, satisfaction and Facebook as a means of communication and its impact on employees. Furthermore, a quantitative research in a sample of 397 private, public sector employees and freelancers was conducted via a web-based survey. Analysis of the current results revealed a positive correlation of Facebook usage with work motivation and job satisfaction. Time spent communicating with coworkers, promoting work and receiving positive feedback/ comments when posting about it comprise important positive factors. Moreover, the intensity of presenting an idealistic version of work was found to be correlated with positive feedback/ comments when posting/ talking about it on Facebook. Most findings suggest that work-related Facebook usage creates a positive dynamic on employees regarding work motivation and satisfaction. Interestingly, this effect appears more beneficial on work motivation than satisfaction.