While working on our recent WordSpin article “Can SMO help you grow?”, I thought a lot about the reasons for and against using social media to promote business.

Much has already been posted about this – concerns over secrecy, consistency, control. But another factor that might prevent a company from jumping on the social media bandwagon could also be – understandably – employee resources. It takes time, energy and planning to create and maintain all this stuff!

But here’s an argument to consider: starting a blog or forum – or simply producing more reader-friendly, useful, link-worthy web content – could actually be a great way to motivate employees both in and outside of your communications department (and as Aaron has already argued, an important factor in recruiting new people). It can be an easy outlet for having a little more fun at work. Happier employees = more motivated employees = more stimulated, productive and satisfied employees. A priceless side benefit of using a new tool to boost your brand.

As long as you don’t get too carried away – you shouldn’t expect your employees to blog around the clock – it could be a win-win.