Do you switch off your mobile when you are at work?

Mauritius
June 27, 2010 7:28am CST
I usually put my mobile in silent but with vibrating tone. My manager is too strict. He does not like his staff talking in phones during working hours. So I have already told my friends and families to call me only during recess and break time. And if they have important messages they can sms me....what you do?
1 person likes this
17 responses
@Tangeryne (412)
• India
27 Jun 10
Hey Velentina, i leave my phone on out mode!!! lol. Its pretty laid back at my office and it doesn't matter if your phone is on loud mode, though its not supposed to be unless its disturbing others. But that's usually how it is with everyone at office . My manager isn't strict about that either so we're lucky I guess
• Mauritius
27 Jun 10
You are indeed lucky to have a nice person as Manager....as at my work many workers have been given warning for using mobile. Some still use it stealthily.
• India
27 Jun 10
Yea. Human nature to rebel I do know my limits and if I'm away from my desk and leave my phone there, I put it on silent mode. Don't wanna unnecessarily disturb people and just cause my manager is lenient, I mustn't take things for granted.
@SViswan (12051)
• India
2 Feb 11
I used to work at a school and we weren't allowed to use a phone during the hours that we were with the children. Actually, the Centre Head didn't like us using the phone even after the kids left for home and we were still at work. The moment I reached school, I would put my phone on silent mode and keep it in the cupboard unless one of my kids was at home sick and then I would inform the Centre Head in the morning that I am expecting a call due to this reason. She has always been understanding and told me to come out of the class if I do receive a phone call. But I have seen other teachers use their phones during class hours and I've also heard of times when the students would tell the teacher that their phone is ringing and she would answer it. This was a distraction to the students and teachers.
@goldeneagle (6745)
• United States
29 Jun 10
At my normal job, I usually put my phone on Vibrate mode, but I also put it in my locker while at work, so I am not disturbed. However, I also do odd jobs and stuff on my own for extra income, and I keep my phone with me at all times when I am doing these types of work.
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
29 Jun 10
If you were an employer you would understand that employees talking on cell phones cost businesses in productivity which means they make less money while spending the same, if not more. Your job is not the place for you to talk on your mobile. It is good you have told friends and family members to only call you during break times, but you should make it only if there is an emergency. There is nothing they need to tell you that cannot wait until your work day is completed. This is a matter of professionalism and what is appropriate. Being at work is not social hour. Please know that I am not chiding you, just responding to the phrase "my manager is too strict." That really is not your decision to make and it is not a good attitude to take to work. It is the person who pays your salary who makes the rules. The manager is there to enforce them and keep everyone on track.
• United States
29 Jun 10
It depends upon the office policy if there is a policy that says no cell phone during office work hours or it is necessary to turn off your phone when working yes i will turn it off but if not so i will not going to turn off my phone. As long as i am during my job so what.
• India
28 Jun 10
In our office there is no such restriction on keeping mobile on silent mode or switch off but as far as common sense goes keeping your mobile on silent mode is best option it actually doesnt disturb other people in office or other place.But when office doesnt allow to carry mobile with , which actually call center does,you have best option of voice message so that no single important message is lost.
@Rainegurl (2156)
• Philippines
28 Jun 10
Nope. I leave my phone on and, if necessary, in loud mode (I am the one who gets irritated if a cellphone's alert tone is too loud ), so that I could hear it ring when I am away from my desk. I need my phone at work. Colleagues and clients may call anytime and I do not want to miss anything important. Have a nice day!
@amyson (3498)
• Philippines
27 Jun 10
no i just put in silent mode we still allowed it to use and entertain calls but just do our job in the right way and can to submit all papers on time.
@jterrock (276)
• United States
28 Jun 10
When I am at work, I will put my phone on vibrate. I can get calls at work, but I just prefer not to answer my phone while I am at work. I work a job that I am always on the phone, so I really don't want to be bothered while I am working. Every once and awhile I will get a text message that I will respond to in my down time. Other than that, yes, I put my phone on vibrate so I am not bothered while at work.
@kaylachan (57652)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
27 Jun 10
I have been out of work for quite a while due to the poor economy. But, when I did have my phone, I would have it on and on vibrate. I never had a problem. My friends would text, which I would respond to during break, but other then that having my phone turned out to be a good thing. There are times I needed it, and the managment staff was glad I had it with me. Instead of not having it at all.
@Metatronik (6199)
• Pasay, Philippines
28 Jun 10
It depends on the situation but most of the time I am not putting my phone into silent mode. I am only doing that if I am in the meeting. But most of the time if I am busy even somebody sent me text messages I usually ignore it.
@manubla (472)
• Philippines
27 Jun 10
It's not strict in the office so we can receive calls but of course we have to make sure that we are not causing disturbance to our colleagues. Basic courtesy. As for me, I still put it on silent mode especially during meetings. I just don't want to be the center of attention in case my phone rings in the middle of a group activity. I would get embarrased. :)
• United States
27 Jun 10
I generally won't answer my phone during times in which I'm supposed to be working, especially in my line of work - it would be rude. Other times, it'll depend who is calling. I prefer text (SMS) as well - it's discreet and doesn't disrupt my work flow.
• Philippines
28 Jun 10
nope.i usually set it to beep once for sms and level 1(sound),..and beside most of my clients will contact me via mobile..so its kinda important...
@grayxenon (1313)
• Philippines
27 Jun 10
nope, that's the liberty of not having any boss..haha i can do all i want.
@juggerogre (1653)
• Philippines
27 Jun 10
My boss is really not that strict when it comes to our cell phones. We can switch it to loud if we want to. I only turn it to vibrating mode or silent mode if I'm in a meeting.
@incus99 (1083)
• Philippines
27 Jun 10
I turn the sound off and switch to vibrate mode.. I only answer emergency calls and calls that I know.. there has been a lot of prank callers lately, there are many who wants to be my phone pals but I don't have the time for it..