Dealing With Employees Playing On Cell Phones: Stoicess’ Secret

July 16, 2024

Dealing With Employees Playing On Cell Phones: Stoicess’ Secret

You’re walking the floor at the office and notice several employees are on their cell phones either talking, reading, or shopping. They’re so engrossed in the activity that they don’t realize that you the boss are looking directly at them as you pass by.

You think to yourself, “Enough is enough”. Production has been suffering and leadership wants a plan from you to address how to get production back on track. You realize that employee use of personal cell phones is the first issue you need to rein in.

In today’s digital age, it’s not uncommon for employees to engage in non-work activities during working hours. However, such non-work activities can significantly impact productivity in the workplace. When employees spend more time on personal activities, they divert their attention from their work responsibilities. This diversion can lead to delayed deadlines, incomplete tasks, and a decrease in overall output.

The mere presence of distractions, such as games or social media apps, can also affect an employee’s ability to concentrate and focus on their work. Constant interruptions hinder the flow of work and can make it challenging to achieve deep focus, which is crucial for productivity.

Moreover, when employees engage in non-work activities, it can create a sense of inequity among team members. Those who diligently focus on their work may feel frustrated by the lack of effort displayed by their colleagues. This can lead to decreased morale and a negative work environment.

However, you also know that employees may use non-work activities as a form of escape or stress relief. The demanding nature of work can sometimes become overwhelming, leading employees to seek moments of respite through activities that provide entertainment or relaxation.

Also, the instant gratification provided by non-work activities can be highly appealing. Social media platforms, for example, offer immediate rewards in the form of likes, comments, and shares. This instant feedback can trigger a dopamine response in the brain, creating a sense of happiness.

Thus, the boundary between work and personal life has become increasingly blurred in the digital age. With smartphones and constant connectivity, employees may find it challenging to separate work and leisure time.

You know from training with the Stoicess that managing and minimizing non-work activities requires a multifaceted approach. Some strategies you consider are the following:

First, you’ll set clear expectations by communicating the goals that need to be accomplished during the workday.

Second, you’ll provide regular feedback on each employee’s performance which will include constructive feedback on the impact of their non-work activities on their performance.

Third, you’ll let employees know that technology will now be used to allow management to track time spent on non-work activities.

Lastly, you’ll remind everyone that the goal is not to eliminate non-work activities completely. However, we must strike a balance that allows employees to stay engaged and productive while also acknowledging their need for occasional breaks and personal time.

Now using My S-T-O-I-C STORYTELLING method:

(S) My new employees are playing on their phones instead of working; what should I do?
(T) “The true man is revealed in difficult times. So when trouble comes, think of yourself as a wrestler whom God, like a trainer, has paired with a tough young buck. For what purpose? To turn you into Olympic-class material.” Epictetus
“The soul of the lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.” Book of Proverbs
(O) I will patiently correct their behavior.
(I) I realized they have had a lack of training in their lives to be fruitful and I will realign their behavior.
(C) The character trait I improved was patience while bringing employees up to speed.

Thank you for sharing your mind with me.

For your continued Success,

Hear MY Secret:

If your new employees are engaged in non-work activity, strike a balance between work and leisure as you monitor their productivity.

Now RELAX ……CONTROL YOUR MIND….

and ‘Be as you wish to seem’ …..

EMPOWERED!

Remember: It’s the Situation Keeping My Connection with Him.

I’m Lori Stith, The Stoicess

AND I believe in YOU.