Web 2.0 and HR: Ignorance is not bliss

Like it or not, Web 2.0 is unleashed and a part of everyday life, but does HR really know what to do with it? Christiana Tollast examines how HR can harness this powerful beast, and use it to its own advantage.

The CIPD's 2008 Web 2.0 and HR discussion paper describes Web 2.0 as a "read-write web, encouraging people to share ideas, promoting discussion and foster a greater sense of community".

This paper then led to a report, released in February 2009 and called Web 2.0 and Human Resource Management: 'Groundswell' or hype?, which found that HR is failing to take advantage of many opportunities presented by Web 2.0 technology.

When the report was launched, Vanessa Robinson, CIPD adviser, organisation and resourcing, said that Web 2.0 provides employees with new tools for collaboration and knowledge-sharing, but that HR professionals were just focusing on the "negative side".