I was amazed at the varied responses to my comments regarding cell phone usage.

There are proponents across the spectrum which indicates that each person must determine what is appropriate for their situation based on safety, company policy, legal and other issues. I can only express my experience and options but please understand that I do not have a corner on the truth. One reader stated the cell phones are collected at the beginning of shift and are available during breaks and when shift is over. Another stated that they provide company cell phones to be used exclusively for work. Others stated that they understood the need for some employees to have contact with their families during the shift and only reprimanded them if the use was “abused” by staff.

All of these responses are fine, so long as you are consistently applying company policies to everyone in a fair, reasonable manner. Two of my concerns continue to be safety and productivity. One reader observed a worker aggressively mopping (productive) with one hand while holding their cell phone and having a very distracted conversation (safety). They were observed to continue mopping even though the mop was dry and soiled since that would have required them putting down the phone or stopping their conversation which obviously was more important. The supervisor told them they had to get a hands free device or not use the phone.

Texting and talking will continue to be a challenge in this age of smart phones, streaming videos and all of the various means of communication available to us today.

Your comments and feedback are always appreciated. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean...

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678-314-2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.


posted on 12/12/2017