The use of cell phones during work has generated constant debate about the best stance companies should take regarding this practice. Numerous problems arise between employees and managers, ranging from wasted time and reduced productivity to dismissal for just cause and subsequent labor lawsuits between the employee and the company.
A study conducted by the Methodist University of São Paulo indicated that one in five professionals loses up to 15 minutes every hour on their cell phone during work hours, representing 25% of their time. This results in a waste of 2 hours per day, considering an 8-hour workday. To calculate the cost to your company of this lost time, you can use this time wastage calculation tool , which allows you to input the number of employees and the cost per professional.
The company has the autonomy and the right to restrict the use of personal cell phones in the workplace, provided that it offers another form of communication for emergencies. Employees who do not follow these guidelines may be notified and even dismissed for cause. For this to be the case, it is necessary that the employee is aware of the restrictions and the respective penalties for non-compliance. The company should prepare a document describing the rules regarding the use of devices and the respective penalties. Download a template for this document here .
To avoid unpleasant situations and friction between parties, it is recommended that companies have clear and coherently developed guidelines. Conversely, professionals should act with common sense and control in the use of equipment, always prioritizing company activities and their own professional productivity.
Productivity and results
Using a cell phone at work doesn't necessarily lead to a drop in productivity. Therefore, managers are advised to always monitor the execution of tasks and track results, focusing on production and defining goals and objectives for each employee and the team. This is especially important because, for some activities like sales and customer service, cell phones can contribute to the completion of certain tasks.
Companies should strive to develop a healthy and productive culture for the use of cell phones. For example, educating employees that posting photos during work, jokes on social media, or personal conversations can harm their performance, but at the same time showing that the conscious use of smartphones can be used to develop contacts and communication with clients. The use of devices should be focused on the collective benefit between the company and its employees.
Another important point is that directors and leaders should set an example of proper use, using the devices only for carrying out company tasks and for communication with the team, clients, or suppliers.
If cell phones are used for team communication, such as in WhatsApp groups, it is the leader's responsibility to define the rules, add or remove participants, and call attention to those who send inappropriate content.
It's better to control and monitor than to prohibit
Banning cell phone use at work is considered a radical and ill-advised measure. The company may create an image of an imposing management style that doesn't consider employees' needs, potentially even demotivating some professionals. The ban can also be considered abusive if the company doesn't provide other ways for employees to contact the company.
Again, common sense and balance are important. From the company's perspective, device usage can be managed, allowing use during certain break times or through access control tools like Lumiun , defining what can and cannot be accessed on the device. Beyond restrictions, these tools allow for detailed monitoring of what employees are accessing, generating information that can be used to adjust device usage policies and even to make decisions regarding employees who do not comply with the rules.
Within this management strategy, some basic guidelines are also important, such as requiring that cell phones be kept in drawers or bags and always on silent mode. Professionals can also disable notifications from apps that may compromise focus and concentration, and check for updates only during breaks and rest periods.
Finally, as cell phones become increasingly present in our daily lives, it is up to companies and professionals to develop a conscious way of using this powerful tool, so that everyone benefits.
And in your company, how is cell phone use handled at work? Share your experience, citing positive and negative aspects of the policy used in your company.
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