Mobile Phone Regulations in the Workplace
Mobile phones are considered a ‘lifeline’ to the majority of the worldwide population. It is an inevitable tool to younger generations.
If you are just starting up a business, have you considered what rules you might put into place regarding mobile phones?
If you are already an established business, have you already implemented rules or considering it?
This guide should help you make the right decision for your business.
How could they affect the company?
Mobile phones can be an extremely disruptive presence in everyday life of the modern world. They have the power to pull irritated theatre actors out of character, keep aeroplanes grounded and to drive train passengers to despair.
They can sometimes pose a serious safety risk such as by interfering with vital electrical equipment in hospitals and aircraft, or in potentially explosive environments, such as fuelling stations or blasting sites.
These modern devices can also cause jeopardy in your workplace. Excluding the possible health and safety concerns mobile phones can cause, it can also affect many aspects that contribute to a good working environment.
The distraction caused by these devises can lead to a reduction in concentration, loss of productivity, extension of working hours also frustration amongst fellow workers.
Maintaining a harmonious and productive workplace can be difficult at the best of times, without adding the pressure caused by excessive and inappropriate mobile phone use.
These issues could be avoided with the implementation of rules and regulations regarding the use of mobile phones in the workplace.
What regulations can I put in place?
There is no law with regards to mobile phone use in workplaces. It is down to the individual organisations to impose their own rules to minimise the inappropriate use of the device.
Depending on what your company is and what you want to come of a ‘mobile phones at work regulation’ the rules are various.
• An outright ban, not to be used in the workshop/at the desk at all.
If this is what you need to do, supply employees with a secure storage area that they can access when needed and ensure they have another number to redirect any emergency calls, such as yours, being the boss.
• Used in breaks and lunch only away from the workplace.
Workers need to be aware of what areas mobiles can be used at these times. They should be switched off and out of sight.
• Switched on in the case of expecting an emergency call.
This needs to be discussed before you give this permission. People will take advantage of your generosity which is why an alternative ‘work’ number might be advisable.
Workers should dedicate their entire working hours to the business, in return they get paid.
Any violations of your chosen regulations should be issued with a disciplinary.
Recent research of UK employees by the University of Surrey, found that only 11% thought it is acceptable for a mobile to be turned on during a meeting, and over 80% believed it inappropriate to read or send text messages whilst in the company of colleagues or the boss.
Whatever you decide to implement, draw up guidelines that outline the regulations for your staff, and ensure they get a copy. This will guarantee that they are fully aware of your regulations and therefore any breaching of your rules will be excusable.
General Etiquette
In the absence of a ban on mobile phones, what is clear is that a certain etiquette relating to mobile use in the workplace is needed.
To keep disturbing effects to a bare minimum, employees should:
• Set mobile phones to silent/vibrate in the work environment.
• If making or answering a call is necessary, it should be done in a private area.
• If it is necessary to speak on the phone in the presence of others then do so in low tones.
• Don’t interrupt colleagues by answering a mobile phone.
• Don’t answer the mobile whilst in a meeting.
• Ensure the ringtone isn’t likely to drive colleagues around the bend.
