As cell phones become increasingly ubiquitous, employers likely have experienced both positive and negative effects of employees’ ability to remain constantly connected. In many fields, business is conducted regularly through cell phones, and employers may benefit from their employees’ ability to access e-mail and digital information remotely and to remain available to communicate 24/7.
On the other hand, employee access to cell phones, including text messaging and social media, during work hours might present distractions that employers want to eliminate by restricting or fully prohibiting cell phone access. Generally, employers legally can regulate employees’ use of cell phones during times the employees are supposed to be working, but they should do so through well-drafted employment policies that are enforced uniformly and consistent with employees’ rights.
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