Can Blogs be used effectively in the workplace?

Have you ever thought of using a blog to disseminate workplace information and news instead of a printed newsletter? It is less costly and can be proof read quickly and revised immediately

O.K. It sounds good--but what is a blog and how much is this going cost?

You are not alone if you don't know what a blog is. Simply put, a Blog is like an online diary, a web log where you can log daily, weekly or monthly goings on. Cost can be free to a nominal fee.

There is a chance that blogging can work well for your office or your business. If you already have a newsletter, use that content format for your web log.

Getting started is relatively easy:

You do not have to know or learn any program to set up or use a blog. The technology behind blogs is simple and allows anyone to set one up. It is quick and easy. Blogs are extremely user-friendly and photos are easy to add.

Blogging generally has a friendly, informal look and feel. And you can reach a vast number of people with the press of a computer key.

A Blog can be private and for your staff only or it can be easily linked to other blogs in your company. This means that a lot of information can be shared quickly and efficiently.

It is easy for others to comment on blogs. However, if a blog is being used as a house organ to disseminate information, you will not want to allow comments.

Company newsletters are created to let employees know what is happening within the company, give important updates on programs available, benefits, new policies, etc. There is usually a column recognizing employee accomplishments, i.e. Susan Brown, in the finance department, has been promoted to senior clerk." Most newsletters also have a "Congratulations" or "Employee Happenings" column; new grandparents, going on a cruise, won an award, son heading to college. Information such as this helps to keep company morale high. People like to see their name in print and will gladly send good news to you for sharing.

Your office blog should be published at regular intervals; if your office or company is large, a monthly publication will allow you to collect information for staff in a timely fashion.

Finally, you must make a decision as to whether your Blog will be internal only or external. If you are worried about protecting proprietary information, post only what you would normally put in your print company newsletter and do not allow comments.

There are many Blogging sites, a few of my favorites are Blogger.com, Wordpress.com and Typepad.com; the first two are free, Typepad is fee-based. Typepad may be better for your business, however, I suggest that you do an Internet search for "blogging sites", and see which is best for your office.