Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Mobiles in the workplace.

123578

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,255 ✭✭✭witchgirl26


    It's stunning how some posters here cannot imagine different kinds of workplaces. Ones with forklifts, or operating theatres or prisoners or whatever. Just cos something isn't needed in your place doesn't mean it's not needed in others.

    I don't need to imagine workplaces with forklifts, I work in one. And yes phones are not allowed in the warehouse area. However they are not time-locked by management in lockers that employees can only access at certain times and there are procedures in place if someone does bring their phone (without permission) into the warehouse.
    JayRoc wrote: »
    That's an interesting point.

    So what do people like security officers, gym instructors, pharma workers, etc do? Do they not have kids in creche? Any supermarket staff I know would not be permitted to carry a mobile phone during shift; surely they have kids?

    And if someone works at a desk job I presume they would have a landline on their desk that can be called in an emergency.


    I'm not arguing with you here; I am curious. I can't envisage being able to do my job if I needed to be available for personal calls all the time.

    As I mentioned before, there are workarounds that people can put in place with smartwatches to give them a little bit of connectivity for emergencies. One of my friends works in a pharma lab & she has a chance every hour to go to the loo (her role requires someone to cover her so mini-breaks are scheduled each hour for all staff on a rotational basis). The toilets are in the locker room so she does a quick check of her phone for anything urgent at that point.

    I work in a desk job but I'm more likely to have my mobile on me than be near my landline. And the past year especially as my landline is essentially redundant.
    AnRothar wrote: »
    In a vain attempt to deal with this issue local management installed similar boxes.
    These are nifty.
    Each individual box has multiple charging cables and is pin protected.

    So to use one all an individual has to do is select a box.
    Enter a pin.
    Put the phone in the box with free charging as a bonus.
    Lock the door.

    See that would actually be a good option as the owner of the phone is responsible for the locking of the box. I think my main issue would be management having the control over locking the box.
    greenspurs wrote: »
    Do you realise how hard it is to dismiss a worker nowadays?

    They are formulating a structure for weeks/months at this stage to protect themselves for the Compo Culture people that would loved to be dismissed without proper proceudure being followed.
    So they are ultra careful.

    It's actually not that difficult to dismiss someone if you can show that they broke company procedures that are in place for everyone and that the correct disciplinary process was followed leading up to dismissal. They can bring a case all they like to the WRC but if the employer has just followed standard company policy, it's more than likely the case will get dismissed. I know of 1 company who is up with the WRC on average 20 times a year for people chancing their arm at a claim but hasn't had a finding against them in 10 years.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,200 ✭✭✭hots


    mightyreds wrote: »
    We had this policy in a previous job I worked in until someone got seriously injured in a remote part of the workshop and could not ring for help, he had to just lie there for 2 hours till he was found. The policy was removed that day.

    It was better in the 50s when there were no phones and they would lay on the factory floor like good worker bees until their foreman told them they could clock off and go for help.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,200 ✭✭✭hots


    greenspurs wrote: »
    What ??
    So, say in a plant producing foodstuff or drink, it would be ok for employees to have a phone on them?
    Theres no risk of a phone contaminating food or drink?

    Would you like the person making your lunch roll at the deli using their phone with one hand while assembling your food ?

    Ever hear of Health and safety ?

    I forgot all the deli phone lock boxes I see on the wall all the time, good point.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,906 ✭✭✭✭greenspurs


    It's actually not that difficult to dismiss someone if you can show that they broke company procedures that are in place for everyone and that the correct disciplinary process was followed leading up to dismissal. They can bring a case all they like to the WRC but if the employer has just followed standard company policy, it's more than likely the case will get dismissed. I know of 1 company who is up with the WRC on average 20 times a year for people chancing their arm at a claim but hasn't had a finding against them in 10 years.

    Sorry, i meant that they needed to do a lot of work to draft the procedure in place to follow proper procedures.
    Some people think you can just say " OI i told to not use your phone, You are sacked, get out"....
    Everything has to follow the employment laws.

    "Bright lights and Thunder .................... " #NoPopcorn



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,685 ✭✭✭✭wonski


    greenspurs wrote: »
    Sorry, i meant that they needed to do a lot of work to draft the procedure in place to follow proper procedures.
    Some people think you can just say " OI i told to not use your phone, You are sacked, get out"....
    Everything has to follow the employment laws.

    Or you can just write "Mobile Phone at work" policy, hand two copies to everyone, one to be signed.
    Then verbal warning, written warning, final written warning and eventually dismissal if someone is really stubborn.

    Not a chance for WRC to stay on the side of the employee after that.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,191 ✭✭✭Princess Calla


    greenspurs wrote: »
    Yes , i would agree.

    Oh you agree with allinal, but when I suggested firing someone, dismissal was far too much a complex issue.

    Come off it, your management team are as lazy as your production staff....tone starts from the top n all that!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,906 ✭✭✭✭greenspurs


    hots wrote: »
    I forgot all the deli phone lock boxes I see on the wall all the time, good point.

    `But you'll ignore the other point then?

    How do you know what the procedures are in the deli? How do you know that they dont have to put their phones in lockers?

    You wont see them on their phones though .

    "Bright lights and Thunder .................... " #NoPopcorn



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,200 ✭✭✭hots


    greenspurs wrote: »
    `But you'll ignore the other point then?

    How do you know what the procedures are in the deli? How do you know that they dont have to put their phones in lockers?

    You wont see them on their phones though .

    Oh no you'd never see deli lads on the phone :pac: they'd be flat out swiping away and then throw on a pair of gloves as you come and ask for your tuna sandwich, no issue.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,906 ✭✭✭✭greenspurs


    Oh you agree with allinal, but when I suggested firing someone, dismissal was far too much a complex issue.

    Come off it, your management team are as lazy as your production staff....tone starts from the top n all that!

    Sorry , did i offend you by not agreeing with you...
    Humble apologies .....

    And i dont think i said a "far too much a complex issue"?
    Can you find it for me ?

    "Bright lights and Thunder .................... " #NoPopcorn



  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,906 ✭✭✭✭greenspurs


    hots wrote: »
    Oh no you'd never see deli lads on the phone :pac: they'd be flat out swiping away and then throw on a pair of gloves as you come and ask for your tuna sandwich, no issue.

    You must go to Subway for your rolls then .... :p

    "Bright lights and Thunder .................... " #NoPopcorn



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,906 ✭✭✭✭greenspurs


    wonski wrote: »
    Or you can just write "Mobile Phone at work" policy, hand two copies to everyone, one to be signed.
    Then verbal warning, written warning, final written warning and eventually dismissal if someone is really stubborn.

    Not a chance for WRC to stay on the side of the employee after that.

    I would agree.
    But , management chose to go a draconian route

    "Bright lights and Thunder .................... " #NoPopcorn



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,200 ✭✭✭hots


    greenspurs wrote: »
    You must go to Subway for your rolls then .... :p

    they're a shady bunch in there alright! In fairness though if you can't trust these lads to keep the phone away unless for emergencies I wouldn't be letting them near a fork and anything more dangerous than a pack of crayons.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,580 ✭✭✭✭Riesen_Meal


    Sounds an awful place to work...

    Most days I'm so busy I don't get a chance to even glance at my phone when I'm working, some days I'm not doing much on top of everything and I can be flat out on my phone, I don't take the pîss though, posting this from my phone in work hours... oops sorry lads!

    I wouldn't be comfortable at all with this, what if there was a family emergency in work and I couldn't be contacted as some jobsbody had locked my phone in a locker?

    Surely there has to be something in place if these phones went AWOL from these storage spots?

    I would hope the phones are insured for putting in this locker?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,191 ✭✭✭Princess Calla


    greenspurs wrote: »
    Sorry , did i offend you by not agreeing with you...
    Humble apologies .....

    And i dont think i said a "far too much a complex issue"?
    Can you find it for me ?

    I think I'd be more offended if you agreed with me to be honest.

    No you asked was I aware of how difficult it was to dismiss someone.

    I took difficult as complex....which it obviously isn't. Clear rules, procedures followed everything signed and dated .....it would rely on your management team doing some work ,which appears to be an issue, so much easier to lock staff items away than deal with the root cause of the problem.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,906 ✭✭✭✭greenspurs


    Fieldog wrote: »
    I wouldn't be comfortable at all with this, what if there was a family emergency in work and I couldn't be contacted as some jobsbody had locked my phone in a locker?

    Surely there has to be something in place if these phones went AWOL from these storage spots?

    I would hope the phones are insured for putting in this locker?

    Maybe have a read through all the details before you insinuate things .

    "Bright lights and Thunder .................... " #NoPopcorn



  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,906 ✭✭✭✭greenspurs


    Oh you agree with allinal, but when I suggested firing someone, dismissal was far too much a complex issue. !

    No you asked was I aware of how difficult it was to dismiss someone.

    I took difficult as complex....which it obviously isn't. Clear rules, procedures followed everything signed and dated .....it would rely on your management team doing some work ,which appears to be an issue, so much easier to lock staff items away than deal with the root cause of the problem.

    So you misquoted me. Thats fine.

    And as i have said, they are working on the procedures for weeks to have them in place , Princess.
    There is groundwork to be done. You cant just copy and paste something off Facebook ...

    "Bright lights and Thunder .................... " #NoPopcorn



  • Posts: 5,369 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Dav010 wrote: »
    Am a parent, married to a Surgeon, trained as a Dr myself, is there anything else you’d like to ask?

    So if your child is in critical condition in hospital, he / she will be alone because someone is booked in to get stent removed this afternoon?

    Serious smell of Bull**** or your just a horrible cold parent.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,273 ✭✭✭twowheelsonly



    Verbal warning/verbal warning/written warning/written warning/ dismissal....it will only take one person to be fired to curb the culture.

    99.999999% of the time people will claim that they were on the phone to the creche or to check on their dying granny. If the company still discipline them then they'll get slated because poor Mary really had to make or take that call or text. Lose/Lose for the company.

    Saying that management should implement these procedures is easy - actually enforcing them is a whole different ball game when everyone claims that it was an emergency call.

    No mobiles allowed is the simple answer. Everyone knows the ground rules. You're seen using one you're sacked. End of story.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,191 ✭✭✭Princess Calla


    greenspurs wrote: »
    So you misquoted me. Thats fine.

    And as i have said, they are working on the procedures for weeks to have them in place , Princess.
    There is groundwork to be done. You cant just copy and paste something off Facebook ...

    Interchanging difficult with complex is not exactly the misquote of the year in all fairness.

    You still haven't answered what your angle is in all this. You don't seem to be management or staff so owner??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,685 ✭✭✭✭wonski


    99.999999% of the time people will claim that they were on the phone to the creche or to check on their dying granny. If the company still discipline them then they'll get slated because poor Mary really had to make or take that call or text. Lose/Lose for the company.

    Saying that management should implement these procedures is easy - actually enforcing them is a whole different ball game when everyone claims that it was an emergency call.

    No mobiles allowed is the simple answer. Everyone knows the ground rules. You're seen using one you're sacked. End of story.

    They can claim whatever they want. Will never win.

    We have phone number for employees to use for emergencies. They still have phones on them tbh, but as long as they are not taking a piss we turn a blind eye. But there is phone number for emergencies, especially that reception is bad in certain areas anyway and your mobile would be of no use.

    Believe me as soon as people get a written warning after being invited to formal meeting at work, they don't need their phone all of a sudden.

    There is no lose/lose situation for the company. If the rules are followed WRC can't do anything.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,512 ✭✭✭✭One eyed Jack


    I’m only surprised that in the kind of work environment the OP is talking about, that the policy hasn’t been introduced long before now by their employers in order to reduce the risk of workplace accidents caused by employees who were distracted by their mobile phone. It’s a health and safety issue as opposed to any idea that employers are treating their employees like children.

    The argument that employees need to be in constant contact with their families is not an issue for their employers, it’s an issue for the employee. Reasonable accommodations tend to be made where an employee can be contacted in the case of a family emergency through their supervisor/manager, etc.

    Weighing the possibility of an accident in the workplace being caused by a person being distracted while on their phone, against the possibility of a person being inconvenienced by not having their phone on them at all times, from an employers perspective would certainly oblige them to introduce the policy if it didn’t exist already.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    I hear what you are saying, but you get good employees by making your company an attractive place to work.

    By locking phones away, you are setting the bar very very low.

    Imagine being told this at the interview stage.

    Andy you get good and bad no matter what way your company is, they all look the same at interview.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,906 ✭✭✭✭greenspurs


    Interchanging difficult with complex is not exactly the misquote of the year in all fairness.

    You still haven't answered what your angle is in all this. You don't seem to be management or staff so owner??

    No one asked.

    I have been accused of a lot (My idea/troll)

    I am not top level.
    My angle is that it is not the correct way to go about it.
    I agree that the issue of phone use is way beyond a joke and something has to be done, but i would not agree with the perspex lockers on timelock.

    "Bright lights and Thunder .................... " #NoPopcorn



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,906 ✭✭✭✭greenspurs


    I’m only surprised that in the kind of work environment the OP is talking about, that the policy hasn’t been introduced long before now by their employers in order to reduce the risk of workplace accidents caused by employees who were distracted by their mobile phone. It’s a health and safety issue as opposed to any idea that employers are treating their employees like children.

    The argument that employees need to be in constant contact with their families is not an issue for their employers, it’s an issue for the employee. Reasonable accommodations tend to be made where an employee can be contacted in the case of a family emergency through their supervisor/manager, etc.

    Weighing the possibility of an accident in the workplace being caused by a person being distracted while on their phone, against the possibility of a person being inconvenienced by not having their phone on them at all times, from an employers perspective would certainly oblige them to introduce the policy if it didn’t exist already.

    I brought this to their attention about 10 years ago.
    those chose to go with the "Shur tell them to stop using it" approach. That never works without a deterrent.
    They never introduced a deterrent, so how could we just keep telling people to stop? it made us look like idiots.

    They are very late to do something about it, and i think they are using a rock to open a peanut.

    Thats why i was asking what is it like in other workplaces.

    "Bright lights and Thunder .................... " #NoPopcorn



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,454 ✭✭✭mloc123


    Threads like this make me realise how easy/lucky I have it I guess... I can't imagine being an adult in a workplace that still feels like a secondary school.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,332 ✭✭✭✭Mrs OBumble


    So if your child is in critical condition in hospital, he / she will be alone because someone is booked in to get stent removed this afternoon?

    Serious smell of Bull**** or your just a horrible cold parent.

    How would you react if your granny needed a stent inserted, but you were told "no can do until next week, cos the surgeon's kid broke their arm this morning"?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 58,456 ✭✭✭✭ibarelycare


    Fault of the person making the call: they should have stressed the criticality and followed up if no response within 10 minutes.

    The vast majority of calls to parents are not like that though.




    It's stunning how some posters here cannot imagine different kinds of workplaces. Ones with forklifts, or operating theatres or prisoners or whatever. Just cos something isn't needed in your place doesn't mean it's not needed in others.


    What a horrible response to someone talking about the death of their 4-year-old nephew. Not a surprise though. You are completely devoid of empathy or compassion.


  • Posts: 5,369 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    How would you react if your granny needed a stent inserted, but you were told "no can do until next week, cos the surgeon's kid broke their arm this morning"?

    I would think that's a horrible breach of the surgeons privacy.

    Surgeries get cancelled all the time and surgeons have family emergencies just like we all do.

    Look, either you think that's fair enough or you don't. I understand that people are well, people and that personal issues crop up. Sometimes that means that my stent had to stay in a bit longer.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,685 ✭✭✭✭wonski


    Fault of the person making the call: they should have stressed the criticality and followed up if no response within 10 minutes.

    The vast majority of calls to parents are not like that though.




    It's stunning how some posters here cannot imagine different kinds of workplaces. Ones with forklifts, or operating theatres or prisoners or whatever. Just cos something isn't needed in your place doesn't mean it's not needed in others.

    It's the fault of the receptionist, not the person making the call. Do we now do follow up calls when there is an emergency?

    Would you call an ambulance again just in case 10 minutes after just in case the operator got distracted?

    Only once received a phone call I considered, emergency, but it was a good call that the wife is going to give birth. I was with the guy after 3 minutes wishing him all the best and granting 1 week off without even signing a form. That's how it is done in normal places by normal people.

    I don't think anyone can be distracted by other phonecalls and go for lunch, unless is an idiot.

    A dangerous type of idiot.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,512 ✭✭✭✭One eyed Jack


    mloc123 wrote: »
    Threads like this make me realise how easy/lucky I have it I guess... I can't imagine being an adult in a workplace that still feels like a secondary school.


    Difficult to know what way to interpret this tbh. It either reads as likening an impression of adulthood to belligerent teenagers demanding their lifeline not be cut off, unable to let go of the apron strings... or enabling helicopter parents who can’t bear the thought of being out of contact with their children while they’re in work and their children are in school, supposed to be paying attention in class as opposed to being glued to their phone.


  • Advertisement
  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    mloc123 wrote: »
    Threads like this make me realise how easy/lucky I have it I guess... I can't imagine being an adult in a workplace that still feels like a secondary school.

    Spare a thought for employers who despair when adults behave like children and won’t leave their toys/phones down. Cuts both ways.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,454 ✭✭✭mloc123


    Difficult to know what way to interpret this tbh. It either reads as likening an impression of adulthood to belligerent teenagers demanding their lifeline not be cut off, unable to let go of the apron strings... or enabling helicopter parents who can’t bear the thought of being out of contact with their children while they’re in work and their children are in school, supposed to be paying attention in class as opposed to being glued to their phone.

    I don't care about phone usage, not being in contact with people etc... But I cannot imagine working somewhere with this level of supervision... where going to the toilet for 10 minutes and watching/reading a news story on your phone is an issue etc.. it sounds to me like being back in school.

    Maybe the people working in these situations ARE like kids, and cannot be trusted to get a job done.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,191 ✭✭✭Princess Calla


    greenspurs wrote: »
    No one asked.

    I have been accused of a lot (My idea/troll)

    I am not top level.
    My angle is that it is not the correct way to go about it.
    I agree that the issue of phone use is way beyond a joke and something has to be done, but i would not agree with the perspex lockers on timelock.

    Well I asked at 15:19.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 196 ✭✭UID0


    It's a poor response to poor mismanagement.
    If there is a reason from a product contamination point of view that phones are not allowed, then there should just a rule that they are not allowed in whatever areas are relevant, and this should be enforced (i.e. if you are caught with a phone in the designated area you will get disciplined - up to and including dismissal).
    If the reason is because of moving machinery, then signage in the area saying that phones may not be used in that area, and again enforce the rule.
    There are reasons why people may need to have a phone with them, and 85% of the workforce seem not to need to have their phones taken away from them. The policy should allow it in an emergency situation, but the policies should make it obvious that someone is using their phone (they may have to step away from their normal work area and move to a 'safe' area where there will be no moving traffic/equipment). If there is some sort of monitoring of people using their phones, and possibly refer consistent users to some sort of wellbeing meeting. "We've noticed that you are using your phone a lot. Is there something going on that we might be able to help with?" This gives the additional benefit that the company appears to be taking employee wellbeing seriously.
    Also, I hope that your account is not in any way identifiable with your company. You have several times referred to people being addicted to their phones. Addiction is a serious mental illness, and should be taken seriously by any company. I have worked for companies where alcoholics have been fired for showing up drunk to work, but it was always after making efforts to help the employee control their alcoholism (addiction counselling or other therapy). If the company does believe that it is an addiction, then they could be seen to have a duty to help those people.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,412 ✭✭✭Jequ0n


    What a horrible response to someone talking about the death of their 4-year-old nephew. Not a surprise though. You are completely devoid of empathy or compassion.

    Why would the poster have to care about some other poster’s family situation.
    It was an insightful post that was relevant to the discussion but there is no need to add meaningless condolences


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,906 ✭✭✭✭greenspurs


    UID0 wrote: »
    It's a poor response to poor mismanagement.
    If there is a reason from a product contamination point of view that phones are not allowed, then there should just a rule that they are not allowed in whatever areas are relevant, and this should be enforced (i.e. if you are caught with a phone in the designated area you will get disciplined - up to and including dismissal).
    If the reason is because of moving machinery, then signage in the area saying that phones may not be used in that area, and again enforce the rule.
    There are reasons why people may need to have a phone with them, and 85% of the workforce seem not to need to have their phones taken away from them. The policy should allow it in an emergency situation, but the policies should make it obvious that someone is using their phone (they may have to step away from their normal work area and move to a 'safe' area where there will be no moving traffic/equipment). If there is some sort of monitoring of people using their phones, and possibly refer consistent users to some sort of wellbeing meeting. "We've noticed that you are using your phone a lot. Is there something going on that we might be able to help with?" This gives the additional benefit that the company appears to be taking employee wellbeing seriously.
    Also, I hope that your account is not in any way identifiable with your company. You have several times referred to people being addicted to their phones. Addiction is a serious mental illness, and should be taken seriously by any company. I have worked for companies where alcoholics have been fired for showing up drunk to work, but it was always after making efforts to help the employee control their alcoholism (addiction counselling or other therapy). If the company does believe that it is an addiction, then they could be seen to have a duty to help those people.


    I think everyone knows what i meant, and not taking it ultra strict , like you are.. :confused:

    Jeez, its tough work ..............it really is. :rolleyes:

    "Bright lights and Thunder .................... " #NoPopcorn



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,512 ✭✭✭✭One eyed Jack


    mloc123 wrote: »
    I don't care about phone usage, not being in contact with people etc... But I cannot imagine working somewhere with this level of supervision... where going to the toilet for 10 minutes and watching/reading a news story on your phone is an issue etc.. it sounds to me like being back in school.

    Maybe the people working in these situations ARE like kids, and cannot be trusted to get a job done.


    Ahh I get you now, but yeah from my experiences of working in manufacturing environments, there really is a certain element of the part in bold. It’s a long time ago now but this was at a time when people could pick up a ready-to-go phone relatively cheaply and so there were some people who behaved like children, that in spite of numerous requests to put away the phone, disciplinary procedures, going as far as to confiscate the phone and hand it back to them at the end of their shift - nothing seemed to work, and a few persistent offenders when one phone was taken from them, they’d have another one in their hands ten minutes later!

    In warehousing or assembly operations that kind of behaviour is generally frowned upon as it presents not only a health and safety risk, but also has an impact on production. It’d be like if you were part of a team and one person wasn’t pulling their weight. In assembly operations taking time out in terms of minutes doesn’t seem like a lot, minor hindrance, but then if one person is doing it, everyone else gets the impression that they’re going to do it too as it’s seen as acceptable behaviour. Eventually what happens is like you said - either the job doesn’t get done, or productivity suffers, or the worst case scenario someone is the victim of an accident in the workplace which could have been easily avoided.

    It basically ends up with a minority of people taking the proverbial while they expect their work colleagues to pick up their slack. Employers don’t generally want to be unreasonable in those circumstances, but when their employees are being unreasonable, then employers are confronted with the choice of treating people who behave like children, as children, or terminating their employment (equivalent to being suspended or expelled from school for the benefit of the school and other students).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,678 ✭✭✭CoBo55


    What happens if receptionist doesn't pass on the message? Goes on lunch/tea break etc.

    What happens if the battery died in your precious phone, what happens if the network goes down, what happens if there isn't enough money to pay your phone bill, what happens if the cat has kittens... For God sake give me a break, what is wrong with people snowflaking everything!! My first child was born in 1989 and the last was born in 1999, they all went and puked in school at various different times, never had a problem being contacted in work, no mobile involved.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 113 ✭✭ByTheSea2019


    CoBo55 wrote: »
    What happens if the battery died in your precious phone, what happens if the network goes down, what happens if there isn't enough money to pay your phone bill, what happens if the cat has kittens... For God sake give me a break, what is wrong with people snowflaking everything!! My first child was born in 1989 and the last was born in 1999, they all went and puked in school at various different times, never had a problem being contacted in work, no mobile involved.

    If any of this happens, the employer isn't responsible, because they haven't taken over handling your personal emergency. They could be responsible for any incompetent receptionists they might have and distress and trauma flowing from mishandling in an emergency.


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,747 ✭✭✭lalababa


    How about driving a lorry whilst scrolling down facebook?


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    If any of this happens, the employer isn't responsible, because they haven't taken over handling your personal emergency. They could be responsible for any incompetent receptionists they might have and distress and trauma flowing from mishandling in an emergency.

    We’ve now gone to a whole new realm.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 113 ✭✭ByTheSea2019


    Dav010 wrote: »
    We’ve now gone to a whole new realm.

    What do you mean by that?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,678 ✭✭✭CoBo55


    Dav010 wrote: »
    We’ve now gone to a whole new realm.

    Exactly, a whole new realm of bull****.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 113 ✭✭ByTheSea2019


    CoBo55 wrote: »
    Exactly, a whole new realm of bull****.

    Care to explain exactly what the bull**** is?


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    CoBo55 wrote: »
    My first child was born in 1989 and the last was born in 1999, they all went and puked in school at various different times, never had a problem being contacted in work, no mobile involved.

    here’s the thing, it’s 2021 where we are all lucky enough to have access to great technology called a mobile phone, we’re we can receive good and bad news immediately. It’s called progress.

    If I had to call a loved one during an emergency, I do not want to speak to a receptionist, as well as that worked out for you circa 1988 to 1999


  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,845 ✭✭✭Antares35


    CoBo55 wrote: »
    My first child was born in 1989 and the last was born in 1999, they all went and puked in school at various different times, never had a problem being contacted in work, no mobile involved.

    We should all stay in the dark ages on the basis of your survivor bias so.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,685 ✭✭✭✭wonski


    here’s the thing, it’s 2021 where we are all lucky enough to have access to great technology called a mobile phone, we’re we can receive good and bad news immediately. It’s called progress.

    If I had to call a loved one during an emergency, I do not want to speak to a receptionist, as well as that worked out for you circa 1988 to 1999

    It isn't a receptionist though, it should be your direct manager/team leader that can find you in no time ;)

    There are jobs where you can't use your phone while working. Period. We are not talking office where your phone is on the desk next to you.

    We are talking about manufacturing/warehouse environment. Some places allow it as long as reasonable, some must be more strict.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,845 ✭✭✭Antares35


    What's wrong with having your phone with you/ near you in case someone is trying to contact you? Pre-covid I had my phone with me in the office. It usually sat on my desk, a few inches behind my coffee cup and was always, alway, always on vibrate mode. Like the others in my office, we wouldn't have it on general mode out of consideration for others who don't want to be distracted by a phone ringing if it can be helped. If ever anyone needed to call me, it would simply vibrate and I'd pick it up, step out of the room and take the call quietly just outside the office. Boss did the same. I certainly didn't set mindlessly scrolling all day or streaming music etc. I wouldn't really be inclined to pick it up otherwise.

    Who are these people? I seriously just assumed others had the same adult approach to their phones during the working day.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 630 ✭✭✭AnRothar


    Guys I have to say that I am really enjoying this thread.
    Based on many of the posts I must work with most of your clones.

    It has been interesting but time to rejoin the adult responsible world where professionalism reigns.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,678 ✭✭✭CoBo55


    Care to explain exactly what the bull**** is?

    When I read distress and trauma
    It's bull****..
    Judge Judy Abu...
    My mother was taken to hospital in 1994 where she died a few hours later. I was on the road working and when I got to my destination there was a message saying to ring my father,who obviously wasn't home so I rang work and told them I was making my way to the hospital unfortunately she had died before I got there, yes it was sad but was there distress and trauma to me? No.


  • Advertisement
Advertisement