How Should We Handle Employee Indiscipline Over Mobile Phone Use in Restricted Areas?

Handling Employee Indiscipline: Seeking Advice

Our company is located in Chennai, manufacturing auto ancillary components in the range of above MSE. Our employee turnover is 50, running on a 24/7 basis. Fourteen members have formed a trade union that has been functioning well for the past 2 years. Now, we have posted instructions on the notice board not to use mobile phones inside the factory premises.

One operator used to have continuous conversations on his mobile phone without considering the presence of supervisors. Eventually, he was overheard by a senior official discussing matters that were not appropriate. The senior official captured this incident by taking a photograph using his mobile phone. Immediately, the employee argued, "You can take any action, and I will take care of that." This kind of behavior truly undermines the organizational culture and basic discipline.

Seeking Suggestions for Disciplinary Action

What action should we take against this erring employee? If the senior official has photographic evidence, is it necessary to inform HR to initiate disciplinary action? How can we effectively control such instances of indiscipline?

I kindly request your valuable suggestions on the above issue.

Regards,
Rekha Bhanu

Use of Mobile Phone inside the Factory Premises

Hello, why do you allow people to carry mobile phones inside the factory at all? You could ban the use of mobile phones for all employees except those in Purchase and Sales. You could even state that no one is permitted to carry a mobile phone inside the factory, including supervisors and managers. At most, you could allow managers to carry their phones inside but restrict their use to their cabins or conference rooms. Ban the usage of mobile phones in all areas within the workplace. Employees should hand over their mobile phones at security, and no one should be permitted to carry a mobile phone with a camera; it must be completely banned. In fact, many leading organizations follow these guidelines.

Regards,
Sivasankaran

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your valuable suggestions. As suggested by you, we can initiate action by introducing a ban on mobiles inside the factory premises. Regarding the approach to take for addressing senior personnel and the concern that allowing this exception may lead to others breaching the rule, should the senior person request a letter from HRD?

Looking forward to your reply, sir.

Thanks,

Rekha Bhanu
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Senior Management and Mobile Phone Usage Policy

When we refer to a senior person, it pertains to the Head of Departments, which may be just four or five in a factory of your size. It is advisable to impose a ban on using phones on the shop floors. Even seniors cannot use phones inside shop floors. Assign a cabin for them where they can use phones. Additionally, they are not allowed to carry mobile phones with cameras.

Regards,
Sivasankaran