How does an employer deal with personal cell phones in the workplace?

With the increase in wireless technology and the growing dependency on cell phones, an employer needs to be proactive in establishing guidelines for regulating cell phone usage at work. Without a clear cut policy setting forth guidelines for use and the consequences for violation, an employee may be making personal calls unknown to the employer during working hours and/or disturbing other employees or customers by receiving or making personal calls at work.

To avoid situations that are disruptive to customers or employees by the ringing of a cell phone, by overhearing a personal call, or by employees playing games on their phones, an employer may establish a policy. The policy might require that a cell phone ringer be turned off at work; that personal calls be made and returned on the employee’s own time (break or lunch); and that cell phones not be used in public areas, work areas shared by other employees or be audible to customers.

In situations where an employee is expecting a call that he/she needs to take (such as a call from a hospital), employees should notify their supervisor in advance that they are expecting a call. Excessive and lengthy personal calls also may need to be addressed in a cell phone policy. Establishing a policy in advance of a problem will result in a better work environment with increased productivity.

If the employer provides an employee with a business cell phone for work-related purposes, the employer also has the right to establish a policy governing use of that cell phone and whether any personal use of that business cell phone will be allowed.