Can My Boss Really Make Me Turn Off My Phone at Work in the Plastics Industry? What Are My Options?

I work in the plastics industry. Here, the management has instructed me to switch off my mobile. Can this be done? And if not, what should I do?

Dear Sanju Hooda,

The role of mobile phones in 2024

We are in 2024, and the mobile phone has become an extension of our bodies. Because of mobile phones, while working in the office, we stay connected with our family members, schedule events in personal calendars, and use apps to transfer funds, among other things. Mobile phones have blurred the line between our personal and professional lives, with many continuing to work from home after leaving the office.

Employer perspectives on mobile phone usage

However, some employers consider mobile phones a primary distraction at work, leading to a loss of momentum and reduced productivity. They believe it is their prerogative to disallow employees from using mobile phones. If the employer deems it appropriate not to allow the use of mobile phones in the workplace, then employees need to accept this condition. Otherwise, they are free to choose employment where the use of a mobile phone is permitted.

Assessing the need for mobile phones at work

By the way, which department do you work in? What is the nature of your job, and why do you need to use a mobile phone at work? If you can demonstrate that your productivity would increase if you were allowed to use the mobile phone, you could put up a case outlining the benefits of doing so.

Accessing personal email and applications at work

Are you permitted to access your personal email while at work? If so, you could schedule events on Google's calendar, which would automatically sync with the mobile phone. Additionally, you can use the WhatsApp application on your desktop or laptop, though this would only allow you to send messages, not make or receive calls.

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

The management can instruct or prohibit the use of mobile phones or ask employees to switch off their mobile phones while at work.

Clarification on Mobile Phone Policy

Is this instruction for you specifically, for all employees, or for a particular department? In refinery units, the use of mobile phones is not allowed, but landline phones, intercoms, and many industries use walkie-talkies. If the call was singular, then you need to talk with HR. Why do they discriminate against employees?

As per Mr. Dinesh, few organizations restrict mobile phones due to distractions, and many organizations restrict them for safety purposes. I have witnessed several incidents of fatalities due to mobile phone usage in the workplace. When people use mobile phones, they often neglect basic safety procedures, leaving no choice but to restrict their usage. Some states have issued notifications through the Inspectorate of Factories department regarding the restriction of mobile phones.

A detailed policy for the usage of mobile phones should be established.