I’m a little embarrassed to come here and ask for advice but I’ve got an issue with one of my employees constantly texting on her phone. This employee does a great job but I’ve got a problem with someone on payroll spending so much time with personal communications. I have pretty good interaction with this employee and try not to be too stern with things. I brought this cell phone issue up months ago when her job was on the line due to some completely unrelated issues. Since that point the other issues were fixed and she’s turned out to be a good employee - except for the constantly glowing cell phone when I approach her about work.
How do others handle employee cell phones, instant messaging, etc… in the office and how would you handle this situation?
My suggestion to this employee on our last discussion was to keep the cell phone in her purse / desk and check it once an hour - which I think is extremely fair considering some companies don’t allow cell phones in the open at work.
Well you would need to take a call whether the employee in question is that good to be at that place. What would happen is that if you get lenient during the initial stages it might trickle down to other employees too who would then feel that it is within their rights to use mobiles during work. I also agree with your point that most companies do not allow mobiles during work hours and that you are allowing it in the first place is good addition from your end, but should also be respected by employees that mobile use is only for say emergency or once in a while conversation. Being hooked on to the mobile texting is not atall acceptable and should be stopped with immediate effect before it gets out of hand.
Like I said its easier to be stern once and that way not only the employee in question but others would also understand that benefits are provided but it should not be taken overboard.
Thanks for your insight. This employee is good but certainly replace-able. Seems as if it’s time to have a second - and final discussion about this issue.
Yes best is you could say, will give you 3 months period within which the usage of mobile should be limited to say one time in X hours or there is no guarantee that the job would stay. First after a verbal notice, say after a month, you could even give a written notice (you need to consult some person with legal knowledge regarding this) and say that after multiple verbal warnings the employee has not taken notice. Hopefully that should work and if that does not work, I guess the employee had more than enough chances to mend the issue but did not and the company tried its best to help employee solve the issue but nothing more could be done.