Does your practice have an employee cell phone policy? If you don’t, perhaps you should. And if you do, then you are not alone. The proliferation of personal cell phone usage at the workplace has led to a high percentage of employers implementing cell phone policies to cut down on distractions due to personal calls, web-surfing and social media usage. Texts are an especially problematic issue, with employers citing texting at work as being to blame for 55% of productivity losses. What can, and should, you do to address cell phone usage in the workplace?
To start, you should create a policy which suits your needs. For example, if you have not experienced issues with cell phone usage being a problem, or if you have a small office and your current staff has been respectful in their phone usage, then immediately instituting an outright ban is likely unnecessary and may actually backfire in the form of a disgruntled workforce. On the other hand, having no policy in place could cause issues if one or two employees abuse their phone usage and then cry foul if/when they are called out for misuse. Therefore, it is advisable to find a middle ground when it comes to drafting a cell phone policy. Here are some suggestions:
First, make sure that your policy is in writing. If you are starting a policy for the first time or amending an existing policy, ensure that all employees receive the new written information. Second, encourage employees to handle as many personal matters during their breaks as possible. Third, it is a sound practice to require employees to have cell phones out of sight when working with patients. Finally, of course, ringers should be set to silent or vibrate any time that the employee is in the office.
Crafting a reasonable personal cell phone usage policy can protect the interests of your practice without placing unrealistic restraints upon your employees. Remember to balance the interests of your workers, your practice, and your patients and find that fine line which allows your employees to be reachable without appearing unprofessional to those who visit your practice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is it important for dental and medical practices to have an employee cell phone policy?
A: The widespread use of personal cell phones in the workplace can lead to distractions and productivity losses. Implementing a cell phone policy helps address these issues and maintain focus on work-related tasks.
Q: What should be considered when creating a cell phone policy for a dental or medical practice?
A: It's essential to strike a balance between addressing potential issues with cell phone usage while also respecting employee needs and maintaining a positive work environment. Policies should be reasonable and clearly communicated to all staff.
Q: What are some key elements to include in a cell phone policy?
A: A comprehensive policy should be in writing, encourage employees to handle personal matters during breaks, require cell phones to be out of sight when working with patients, and mandate silent or vibrate mode during office hours.
Q: How can implementing a cell phone policy benefit a dental or medical practice?
A: A well-crafted policy helps minimize distractions, maintain professionalism, and protect the interests of the practice and its patients. It establishes clear guidelines for acceptable cell phone usage in the workplace.
Q: How can practices strike a balance between employee accessibility and professionalism when enforcing a cell phone policy?
A: By creating a policy that respects both the needs of employees to be reachable and the expectations of professionalism within the workplace, practices can find a middle ground that benefits all stakeholders. Effective communication and flexibility are key.
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About Ali Oromchian, Esq.
Your Healthcare Lawyer
Ali Oromchian, JD, LL.M., is a leading legal authority in dental law and the founding attorney of Dental & Medical Counsel, PC, with over two decades of experience. His deep connection to dentistry comes from his wife's nearly two-decade-long career as a pediatric dentist.
This personal insight fuels his dedication to empowering dentists to navigate their legal challenges and achieve their practice goals. In doing so, Ali has helped thousands of doctors open their practices while maintaining legal compliance.
Ali is frequently quoted and contributes articles to dental publications, including the California Dental Society, Progressive Dentist, Progressive Orthodontists, Dentistry Today, Dentaltown, and The New Dentist magazines, further showcasing his commitment to the dental community.