Whose cell phone just rang at work?

When was the last time you were in a store, coffee shop, airport or office and the person who was supposed to be helping you was engaged in a clearly personal cell phone conversation? I bet it wasn’t too long ago. Look around your workplace how are your employees using their personal cell phones at work?

When we receive service that is compromised by cell phone use we can complain. It might help. We can gripe when we are surrounded by inconsiderate cell phone users in any situation. At work you can make a difference by creating a policy and enforcing cell phone guidelines.

Cell phones are a fact of life. Don’t plan on taking them away or installing a basket or bin at the front door for storage during the work day. Rules can be as simple as asking employees to leave the phone on silent or vibrate and only responding to messages during break or down times.

Set guidelines that clearly state when employees are not allowed to carry or wear phones. These would include customer service situations, meetings and sensitive or confidential conversations. Some of these same guidelines should extend to the use of company issued cell phones. Your policy will depend on your company and the type of industry you are in.

Don’t forget to include guidelines about cell phone use while driving. You don’t want an employee driving a company vehicle talking on any cell phone without an approved hands free device. Using a company issued phone without an ear piece while driving a car will not reflect well on the company.

Posting the latest article about cell phone etiquette and hoping employees read it will not work. Clearly written guidelines that are communicated effectively and enforced will set an example that minimizes the chorus of ring tones and chatter.