Cell phones are driving many of us to distraction—and taking a toll on productivity in the workplace. Nineteen percent of employers think their workers are productive for less than five hours a day, and more than half believe that cell phones are to blame.
Indeed, every beep, buzz and glow emanating from our personal devices are designed to lure us in while hijacking our time and disrupting our concentration. A short call or text message here or there may not harm productivity in a noticeable way, but excessive use can become a big problem.
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How to Deal with Overuse of Personal Cell Phones in the Workplace
Due to the habit-forming, ubiquitous nature of cell phones, small business owners must address their inevitable presence and intervene when employees are loath to put their devices aside — just as they must take action with the employee who always calls in sick. Below are a few tactics to help you exert some measure of control over cell phones in your workplace.