Guild: 41% of Brits use WhatsApp at work

A new study of more than 1,200 UK workers highlights the risk that businesses take when they allow their staff to use messaging apps for professional purposes. This week, Facebook announced that WhatsApp now has 2 billion users worldwide. The extent of professional use of WhatsApp by employees should be a cause for concern for businesses.

The survey showed that 41% of UK employees admitted to using WhatsApp for work purposes, even though using WhatsApp in a way that involves any non-personal use is a violation of its terms of service.

This figure rises to 53% among those under 45. In Greater London, 58% of people use WhatsApp at work.

Shadow communications using consumer instant messaging apps is a growing problem.

Shadow IT and shadow communications refer to technologies, applications and communication channels that are set up and used within an organization without approval. In many cases, this is done by employees without the knowledge of IT, communications and compliance.

The findings from the study suggest that many businesses have realised that “shadow communications” using consumer messaging apps such as WhatsApp at work could be a bigger problem.
199IT.com Originally compiled from: Guild. Please do not reprint without authorization