Facebook's usage numbers are just staggering: more than 250 million registered users are spending more than 5 billion minutes on the social networking site every single day(5 billion minutes works out to 9.5 years of time, according to this time conversion calculator). 

Businesses are learning the hard way that there's a fine line to walk regarding whether to allow workers to log onto their personal Facebook pages(and other social media networks) during the work day, says Anthony Campiti of Thompson & Knight. Many employers have implemented or are considering outright bans out of concern about productivity and concerns about confidential information and legal exposure. 

Campiti says such a response may be justified for some companies, but a measured, consistent approach is perhaps the best strategy for most. "Many employers are deciding against across-the-board bans because of the negative impact on recruiting and retention, and the potential benefits in using the sites to network and build business." Campiti says companies should enforce any existing reasonable-use provisions and develop specific policies for social networking. "As long as employers apply and enforce these policies consistently, they should be OK legally." To interview Mr. Campiti, contact Barry Pound at 800-559-4534 or barry@androvett.com.