Quietly, The Firewall Comes Down

Without word, warning or mention, the firewall came down and internet sites once blocked are now accessible in the workplace.

To what degree, to what extent or for how long I don't know but this is a good thing. We are one part of a much larger organization and while I don't impact the big picture day to day, I do within the my organization.

It's time for me to initiate the conversation, provide the leadership and above all, be the voice of reason. Keep your hands and feet inside the car, the ride is about to begin.

Social Media Dot VHA

I need your help! Check out the email I received yesterday. This is a first step and definitely a step in the right direction for Federal HR (insert happy dance here!).

Who would have thought the Government could be cool? The method: social media. Because that is where an important target audience congregates. Check this out: Facebook boasts more than 250 million active users, while 88 percent of Twitter users are 34 years old or younger. And all of them may be interested in a career or a career change. Do these sound like channels you'd like to share with your prospects?

Now you can. VA Careers has established a presence on both Facebook and Twitter. Our Facebook page features videos, links, advertisements, and the ability to have a digital conversation with those people we most want to talk to – the potential VA prospect. And our Twitter presence allows us to instantly update our followers.

The second step? Granting social media access to HR offices. Most specifically, my office, because it is all about me - isn't it?! And here is where I need your help.

What is the one BEST post, article, comment, reason or thought you can think of - off the top of your head - that supports the need for HR to have workplace access to social media?