The Mobile Device has Replaced the Water Cooler as the Center for Employee Gossip and Distraction

Keeping a watchful eye on today’s workforce can be challenging. Gone are the days where groups of employees would congregate around the water cooler to discuss the latest gossip or swap stories about the weekend’s best parties. The gossip and loss of valuable work time continues – it’s just not as obvious. Employees today are tweeting, posting, texting, uploading, playing, etc. on their mobile devices constantly throughout the day. Get control of this modern day water cooler by following the steps outlined below. 

Implement a Mobile Device Use Policy 
The employer controls the work environment. It’s well within your organization’s prerogative to prohibit the use of mobile devices during working hours. If an absolute prohibition is too strict for your organization, then craft a policy that clearly sets forth the acceptable circumstances when an employee is permitted to use their mobile device (i.e., during breaks, in an emergency, etc.). Remember the more exceptions, the harder it will be to monitor and enforce the policy. Your policy should be in writing and distributed to all employees with an acknowledgment of receipt. 

Enforce the Policy 
Preparing and distributing a policy is the easy part – enforcing the policy is the challenge. 

•  Train Managers: If the policy is to work, all managers and supervisors must understand the parameters of the policy and the consequences for violating the policy. Most importantly, managers will need to set a good example. If a manager is seen texting or playing their favorite app during the workday, employees will likely determine that the organization isn't really serious about the use policy. 

•  Consistent Discipline: As with any policy, enforcement must be consistent. Don’t allow certain employees more freedom than others. Don’t discipline some, but not all, for violating the policy. If discipline is inconsistent, it may create the appearance of unlawful discrimination or favoritism. 

 Review and Update 
Technology changes fast and your policy should change with it. Make sure to periodically review your policy to ensure that it’s appropriate given the latest technology. If you modify the policy, re-distribute it to employees and highlight the changes. 

Be Observant 
Just as in the past, the approaching manager or supervisor can still cause the gossipers to stop and get back to work. It may not be as easy as spotting a group around the water cooler but it isn't impossible. Watch your employees, make your presence known. It will be much more difficult to sneak a tweet or text if they know that you’re watching and monitoring their behavior. 

ePlace Solutions 2013