Cell phones in the workplace

[Randy]

Should there be rules about cell phone use in the workplace?

Does your workplace have a policy on cell phone use?

Have you ever got in trouble for using your cell phone at work?

 

[PGen98]

My current workplace is pretty lax on cell usage, lol, but where I was before, it needed to be an emergency or work related (which realistically should have been on the work phones, not cell phones, but...). I'm not a fan of using them for personal calls in a work environment. If it's an emergency, yes, definitely, but otherwise it should be on silent and remain out of sight until it's time for a break or you're off the clock.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

I don't think it will help.

The cultures of today are hooked on their phones.

I think employers should take advantage of it, honestly.

For example, let's say you work in a factory and have to enter part/lot numbers on a sheet for every unit you make. Most old factories are going to be using paper. Why not save money, make a phone app, and have workers use the app on their phones and earn points for using it? Points can be used to buy swag, cool products, vending machine bucks, etc.

It would be interesting to see if that could make it cool.

In some places you can't bring a phone in - like a prison, that'll probably never change.

 

[Kale]

Most work places I always muted my cell phone and had it on my person. I do NOT TRUST leaving it in a locker, a coat pocket, etc. I think you were/are supposed to do that, but I always kept mine in my pocket.

 

[Nebulous]

At my job they wont say anything unless you aren't being a productive worker. If you suck at your job and aren't getting stuff done, then they'll latch on to any reason as to why you might be under performing. Cell phones are a distraction so I can see why they would get on a crappy worker for using one.

I happen to be a great employee so nobody ever tells me anything. I usually only get on my phone during a break anyway, unless I get a phone call or a text.

 

[PGen98]

At my job they wont say anything unless you aren't being a productive worker. If you suck at your job and aren't getting stuff done, then they'll latch on to any reason as to why you might be under performing. Cell phones are a distraction so I can see why they would get on a crappy worker for using one.

I happen to be a great employee so nobody ever tells me anything. I usually only get on my phone during a break anyway, unless I get a phone call or a text.

Doesn't surprise me you'd be a great employee, you definitely know how to get your stuff done!

 

[fuzzems]

I think most places have a general policy but not sure if most follow it. Almost all of us have our phones on hand. And people have the right to take a break, etc and certainly should be able to use their own personal phones.

As for work, I don't want to use my phone for work unless they want to pay my phone bill. My personal phone is my personal phone. However, a work App might be a useful way to utilize that

 

[Kale]

I happen to be a great employee so nobody ever tells me anything. I usually only get on my phone during a break anyway, unless I get a phone call or a text.

Yep, exactly. I sometimes took a peek to look at the time but otherwise never used it when on the clock.

 

[Megan]

Technically not supposed to be on them while working.

For the most part I just use it on break. Sometimes to call my mom if I’m having a panic attack or something.

 

[MrDawn]

My work doesn't care as long as being on our cellphone is within reason. They understand that an emergency can happen and they don't want people who aren't calling for business reasons tying up the line.

 

[tea4me]

My company has everyone working remotely since the pandemic, so they really have no idea what anyone is doing with their cell phones. We do need them for MFA, and we get reimbursed each month for making us use our phones and our internet.

 

[Crys]

Should there be rules about cell phone use in the workplace?

Does your workplace have a policy on cell phone use?

Have you ever got in trouble for using your cell phone at work?

There are "rules" but no one follows them. In fact, it's become common that people are on their phones during work. I was checking out at the grocery store, went to a register, and the cashier was texting away for a good five minutes while I stood there looking at her. No point in saying anything because nothing happens.

I did get in trouble for using my phone when I was young and stupid. I did it on the floor. Was actually talking to a friend and my manager at the time, who I didn't like, caught me. Took my phone away until the other manager I did like talked to me. Nowadays if I need to use my phone I do it on lunch or on a break.

 

[Daltonio]

I'm in retail (not cashiering though) so maybe it's a bit more lax, but they don't really care unless it becomes a big problem (like when they were looking for something on the camera and noticed someone just hiding in the back on their phone for like 15 minutes straight). Otherwise they don't really say anything, especially since sometimes we use them to make our jobs a little easier.

I don't really check mine much anymore at work. I will admit when one of my former coworkers was still there, we were texting and sending snaps back and forth almost all day for awhile there A bit of a problem, but now that she doesn't work there anymore I don't pull it out much. If I feel it go off I'll check it and fire off a quick reply text or two but not often.

 

[passenger]

I was checking out at the grocery store, went to a register, and the cashier was texting away for a good five minutes while I stood there looking at her. No point in saying anything because nothing happens.

 

[Dee]

Should there be rules about cell phone use in the workplace?
Yes, absolutely.

Does your workplace have a policy on cell phone use?
Yes it does.

Have you ever got in trouble for using your cell phone at work?
No.

 

[Megan]

There are "rules" but no one follows them. In fact, it's become common that people are on their phones during work. I was checking out at the grocery store, went to a register, and the cashier was texting away for a good five minutes while I stood there looking at her. No point in saying anything because nothing happens.

I remember training someone and they pulled out their cell phone while I was explaining stuff. I was like seriously? Why am I bothering here? Didn’t say it but was thinking it. 🤨