Cell Phones - Optional Policy

You may copy and paste this sample employee handbook policy text to help create your own policy documents. A licensed attorney in your area should review final drafts.

3 min read

About this Employee Handbook Policy

Excessive or improper cell phone use during a workday can interfere with an organization’s productivity. One problem with cell phones is how tempting it is to use them. Employees frequently admit using them during the workday to check personal email or get on social media. Not only that, but many people find it hard to resist a phone that’s alerting them to a new text, call, or email. Too much cell phone use during the workday can cause employees to miss deadlines or work extra hours to complete projects on time.

Cell phones also create problems for employees who drive during their workday. Multiple studies have shown that distracted drivers are dangerous drivers. In some situations, drivers talking on cell phones can be just as impaired mentally as drunk drivers. Even experienced drivers may not be better at handling the distraction of a cell phone than novices.

That’s why we recommend restricting the use of personal cell phones at work. We also recommend that employees avoid using cell phones and other wireless devices while driving.

SAMPLE POLICY:

CELL PHONES

Employees are expected to exercise discretion in using personal cell phones at work. If the organization has issued a cell phone to an employee for business reasons, personal use of that phone should be minimized as much as possible. The employee is expected to protect a business cell phone from loss, damage, or theft.

For safety reasons, employees driving for business reasons are not to use cell phones or other mobile devices capable of making calls unless they use a hands-free device. If they receive a call while driving, employees should answer it using a hands-free device or pull off the road to a safe location as soon as possible. Additionally, employees are not to write, send, or read text-based messages (email, texts, etc.) while driving. In some circumstances (such as transporting children, driving in heavy traffic, or driving in hazardous weather conditions), employees should avoid even hands-free use of a cell phone or other mobile device that can make calls.

All employees must follow all applicable laws and regulations regarding cell phone use. Employees who violate this policy will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination of employment.

This is a sample handbook policy only. Your organization is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. Accordingly, this document should not be used or adopted by your organization without first being reviewed and approved by a licensed attorney in your area. Brotherhood Mutual assumes no liability in preparation and distribution of this sample document.