Pros and Cons of Instant Messaging at Work

There are many pros and cons to using instant messaging at work. It is important to identify these pros and cons before using instant message avenues. If we identify the cons, there is a possibility to turn them into positive occurrences.

Advantages:
1. You can organize your contacts and separate business, family and friends when having chats so you do not invite family members to business chat meetings.
2. You receive instant answers instead of awaiting emails from colleagues.
3. You can save instant messages unlike conversations and refer to them later.

Disadvantages
1. You can hide your family and friends while you are at work but you are still visible and they may send you a message at the wrong time.
2. You may become distracted using the messaging system for conversations that are not work related.
3. There are security risks associated with using instant messenger when an anti-viral program at your particular company does not directly approve the messenger.