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

StephenM_2

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

I worked from 1964-2004 and never had a mobile phone on the premises (for obvious reasons for most of that period ). If anyone had needed to contact me they would ring the employer. Not that anyone ever did because not so many things were classed as 'emergencies' in those days, such as Johnnie forgetting his PE kit etc, or Janie needing to know if her Prom dress was ready.

I can see why they might not allow mobiles in the workplace, what is wrong with going outside to text your friends on your lunch break?

I had 3 phone calls at work recently that can definitely be classed as emergencies. The first was to say that my mum had had an accident and was being taken to hospital by ambulance. The next was a hospital doctor wanting to discuss her treatment. The next was to say that her death was imminent - she died a few minutes later and I wasn't able to get to the hospital in time. I was away from my desk for 2 of these calls, so I was glad I had my mobile with me and switched on.

93123

TrickyWicky wrote: »

Yes I did however we all know that text messaging at work even in break times always leads to replies being sent after break time is over.

I've seen it loads of times. People send a few texts in their break and then for the next hour after (during work time) they're continuing the text conversation every few minutes. Notably the women are always worse at this than the blokes.

Yeah, if you have no self control whatsoever.

yvonne13_2

I'm lucky to work for a company that doesn't tell you what you can't do on your own lunch break.

They understand that at times family emergency's ect happen. The only thing they ask if you're working to have it on vibrate and not to take the mick. (This was introduced after someone's family member was fatally injured and reception didn't to pass the message on until the person was going home, 7 hours later)

To be fair what family member is going to waste time trying to get a message to you via reception when they can text direct?

System

The company isn't stipulating what you can not do in your lunch break but what you can not do on their premises.

If you stay on the premises for your lunch then no phone. If you go off the premises you can use the phone as much as you like.

Your choice