Imagine a workplace where employees had access to a constant stream of timely information about the company’s benefits programs and business objectives. A new survey report by Aon Consulting suggests that more worksites may be headed in that direction.

The HR consulting firm studied how workers used Web 2.0 media — social networks, blogs, micro-blogs (Twitter), text messaging, wikis, and gaming technology — at home and at work. Researchers surveyed over 8,000 employers in the private and public sectors.

Aon analysts found that, despite employers’ belief that Web 2.0 media may detract from productivity, workers — both millennials (those born between 1980 and 2000) and non-millennials — are leveraging the technology to perform their jobs.

For example, 65% of non-millennials and 72% of millennials report using their company’s intranet for their job duties, while 25% of non-millennials and 38% of millennials utilize text messaging for work purposes.

In addition, 46% of non-millennials and 48% of millennials used instant messaging as part of their job assignments, while 13% of non-millennials and 20% of millennials belong to job-related social networks. About 8% of non-millennials and 13% of millennials used blogs in a work-related context.

Consequently, as employers plan their business strategies to emerge from a down economy, they should include plans to embrace Web 2.0 media to engage and communicate with employees, Aon experts report.

“Employees’ ability to share and alter the message through Web 2.0 media is a core issue to address when integrating social media into internal communications. It requires a different approach to message management — particularly post delivery, where you need to collect feedback, monitor reactions and reinforce your message to sustain credibility and ensure effective message delivery,” the report states.

Aon also outlines how some applications for Web 2.0 media are used in the workplace. For example, on blogs and micro-blogs, the firm notes:

• Successful blogs are built on a foundation of trust and credibility and can be used to feed the grapevine and monitor the results. When effective, they function as a two-way communication avenue.

• The optimal blog becomes a forum for leadership perceptions and decisions, enabling discussion and feedback from employees at all levels.

• Employees can feel included in decision-making and business strategy implementation, a key element to successful employee engagement.

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