Banning phone use at work...at lunch break?!

*Kat*

So now we're not allowed to use our phones at lunch break either. We have to go outside. Does anyone else here have a similar rule? I think it's ridiculous.

I would never call someone in the office on my phone, I would go outside, but I do like to text friends etc. *!!!!ed*

scooby088

I don't think anyone should have their phone with them at work, it leads to distractions. But on break times if away from the work station then I can't see a problem with that.

AP007

It creates the wrong impression if a director or visitor comes in and sees you having a chat with a mate on the mobile plus customers who call in can probably hear your conversation.

I do believe using the net if allowed ok, using your own phone not too ok

Bella73

Think that sounds a bit much myself. We are not paid during our lunch hour so if I want to use my phone it's my business. Have they given a reason why the ban has been brought in?

double_mummy

we arent allowed internet or to use our phones in the office we can use phones in canteen but they cant be outside of the canteen unless you are outside something to do with sensitive data so i think it depends what you work with

its a newish rule because everybody has cameras etc on their phones so it is much easier to steal info

jacques_chirac

Inconvenient, but it does look unprofessional if you are sat at your desk texting etc. Your break is yours to do with as you wish, but visitors etc will not know you are on your break.

This may not be the reason though, so if it bothers you I would suggest politely asking.

crabyducky

Can't use my phone at work unless i have permission from a manager. it is supposed to be turned off and not kept on our person when we are working, due to working with vulnerable people. i know of a local employer where phones are handed over at the start of your shift and put in little lockers where you can access them at breaks with permission from a manager. i think that is a good system and would welcome it at my present job, as all too often i see people sat playing games on their phones.

paddedjohn

Your break should be taken away from your place of work anyway so going outside to use your phone shouldn't cause you any problems.

RichardD1970

Rules are rules, breaking them can have serious consequences.

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/jaguar-staff-castle-bromwich-factory-6095119

monty-doggy

Yep I know JD group don't allow phones to be switched on at all on their premises. If you're on a break, coming in for your shift or going home. Not allowed on until you're out of the door!

getmore4less

Phone ! they don't really exist any more

you mean you can't use your
camera(s)
voice recorder
wi-fi device
near field communication device
blue tooth device
mini computer.
...

Worker should have no problem with being totally isolated from the outside world while they are working or in the work place.