The Use of WhatsApp for Work: Benefits and Risks
Using WhatsApp for work purposes can be advantageous due to its immediacy, but it may also lead to labor risks if companies lack clear guidelines for incorporating it as a communication tool, according to experts.
The Prevalence of WhatsApp Among Young Workers
Of the 35.3 million young adults using the internet, 88% interact through WhatsApp, according to data from the National Survey on Availability and Use of Information Technology in Households by INEGI.
Expert Opinions on WhatsApp for Work
Jorge Gutiérrez Siles, a psychoanalyst and senior consultant at KAYSA, a firm focused on workplace well-being, states that instant messaging services like WhatsApp can create attention issues and inadequate communication, potentially leading to psychosocial risks.
Iñaki de la Barrera, an organizational psychologist and human resources consultant, emphasizes that companies decide whether to use WhatsApp and for what purposes. He suggests using it only if it’s not the official communication channel.
The Limitations of Written Communication
While WhatsApp offers immediacy and resolves communication when working remotely, not all labor-related written conversations result in effective communication.
Written communication distances us from people and our human nature, as it lacks body language and tone of voice. Gutiérrez Siles notes that a written “whats” only provides 7% depth in a conversation.
Clear Rules for Using WhatsApp at Work
Constant notifications from messaging services during work hours can disrupt the workflow, reduce attention, and increase labor risks.
Interruptions may complete tasks faster but with higher stress, frustration, and errors. The less checks, the better focus as you’re not distracted and can attend to important matters.
The solution is not to prohibit WhatsApp but to agree on when and how to use it within the organization for specific tasks, both experts concur.
Drafting a Work-Related WhatsApp Message
An effective WhatsApp message should be concise, start with a friendly greeting, clarify if it’s urgent from the beginning, and explain the topic to be discussed.
Although it’s recommended for work-related matters only, WhatsApp can also serve as an informal communication channel with a clear rule: respect. Emojis and stickers are acceptable in these conversations.
Avoid criticism, judgment, or discrimination. Also, be mindful of the company’s reputation if using WhatsApp as an official communication channel, especially if rules aren’t clear.
Alternatives to WhatsApp for Work Messages
If not for instant messaging apps, email meets the requirements to be an official communication channel within organizations.
Other services like Teams or Google Meet also fulfill these characteristics, according to the expert.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Can WhatsApp be used for work-related matters? A: Yes, but companies must establish clear guidelines for its use.
- Q: What are the limitations of written communication via WhatsApp? A: Written communication lacks body language and tone of voice, leading to shallow conversations.
- Q: How should a work-related WhatsApp message be drafted? A: Keep it concise, clarify urgency, and maintain a respectful tone.
- Q: What are the alternatives to WhatsApp for work messages? A: Email, Teams, and Google Meet are suitable alternatives.
