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Why You Need a Mobile Phone Policy in Writing

The use of mobile phones has increased significantly over the past 10 years. In fact, a 2015 study found that 92 percent of U.S. adults own a mobile phone. Consequently, the acceptance of these devices in the workplace is increasing as well. But there is definitely still a time and place for them in the workplace.

Do You Have a Written Policy?

One problem that many businesses contend with is mobile phones being a distraction and diminishing productivity. If you don’t currently have a written policy, it’s strongly suggested that you create one. Doing so can have the following benefits:

  • Regulates employee usage to focus more on critical tasks
  • Prevent time-draining activities like personal texting, social media and surfing the web
  • Boost productivity and profitability

Two Basic Points to Cover

The first thing to address in your written policy deals with when and where employees are permitted to use their mobile phones. For example, they may be limited to only using them while on break, and using them while on the job is not permitted.

Or employees may only be allowed to use these devices for work purposes and not for personal reasons unless it’s an emergency. You basically want to cover some ground rules that your employees will need to abide by.

The second point to cover is what the penalty will be if an employee uses a mobile phone inappropriately. Maybe there’s simply a verbal warning for the first offense, disciplinary action for the second and termination for the third.  Having these disciplinary actions in writing eliminates any unclear consequences.

Finding a Balance for Your Employees

You should also keep in mind that your employees may need their mobile phones in order to perform certain tasks. Whether it’s using a company-centric app or communicating job-related tasks via text with other staff members, banning these devices altogether can potentially be detrimental to operations.

It’s important to find the right balance where mobile phones can be used for key functions but not become a distraction.

Does your company have employment needs to help it reach the next level? Contact the recruiters at Axiom Staffing Group today.

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