Are you allowed to use your cell phone at work? I’ve been thinking a lot this week about cell phone usage in the workplace. I’ve never worked anywhere that I was explicitly allowed to carry or use a cell phone, and I think workplaces usually function best like that. Some argue that allowing employees to carry cellphones helps to create a balance of personal and work life. I don’t always believe that personal life belongs in the workplace to begin with however and the same goes for bringing work home. In some professions it’s necessary but certainly not all professions. I currently work in a high school as a Teacher Candidate. It’s been interesting to see the ways staff avoid cell phones until they are off school property (myself included). The students do tend to overuse phones, but it comes with the times. It’s something we often have to accept, really. I’ve been in the background of about one hundred snapchats this week because my students are constantly snapping while in class and in the hallways. Cellphones can increase productivity but more often they prohibit it. It’s impossible to complete your best work when you have a distraction. I find that when I used to text at my former work it tended to be about work, and it usually wasn’t about how great work was. The tendency while you’re at work is to want to go home- so messaging friends often comes in the form of complaints, which is never healthy for the workplace. Also, have you ever tried to have a conversation with someone who was texting at the same time? It’s frustrating. People constantly on their phones feel inaccessible to their employers and coworkers. Do you believe workplaces should have a cell phone policy clear and posted? What has your work experience been with cellphones? I truly believe they are so common now that we do need to have some direction as to what is acceptable and what isn’t.
Posted on: Fri, 17 Oct 2014 10:18:19 +0000
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