It is difficult to envision a world without cell phones in
the present day, and for a good reason: they provide ease and security. Whether
planning your child's daycare pickup schedule or determining the quickest route
from point A to point B, everything that formerly required a great deal of time
with phone calls and printing paper can now be accomplished with a few clicks
on the screen.
However, in the corporate sphere, cell phones have a mixed
reputation. Executives and managers use them to keep track of their hectic
schedules and to communicate instantaneously with coworkers on the next floor
or halfway around the world.
As long as it is not abused, virtually everyone can benefit
from this technology. Here is how to use your cell phone for job advancement.
Comply with Cell Phone Usage Restrictions
Numerous organizations now incorporate cell phone policies
in their employee handbooks. Others prefer to handle concerns with staff only
when they arise. Unless you are responsible for administering the company's
Twitter page, saving social media browsing for the evening makes sense.
If the prohibition on cell phone use at work bothers you,
raise the matter with your manager rather than texting in the restroom. Please
make your request in such a way that they will benefit from occasional cell
phone use. Many parents desire the ability to answer their children's phone
calls. By addressing this demand, they increase staff morale overall.
According to research, there is a correlation between morale
and employee productivity.
Reasonable confidence increases job satisfaction and decreases staff turnover.
Considering the significant expense of recruiting, interviewing, and especially
training new employees, people wishing to shift company attitudes toward cell
phones in the workplace have a strong argument.
In workplaces where cell phone use is permitted, observe
proper etiquette when employing your device. Leave your phones on vibrate
because ringing disturbs the concentration of your coworkers. Personal
interactions should also occur outside the office to maintain the attention of
others.
Legal Facets of Mobile Phone Usage
An employer may legally prohibit cell phone use in the
workplace. If you misuse the gadget at work, you could be fired. However, the
majority of devices permit emergency use.
Using a cell phone at work might lead to disaster or even
death, depending on one's position. Operating big machinery such as a forklift
or driving a large machine requires continual concentration; even a momentary
diversion can have catastrophic results.
Vicarious liability allows affected parties to sue you and
your employer if you cause a workplace accident. According to the Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), all businesses should prohibit using
cell phones while operating vehicles or equipment. This restriction includes
initiatives promoting cell phone use during high-risk activities.
Cell phone use in the office might harm you and your
supervisor in ways besides accidents. Employers who implement "Bring Your
Own Device" (BYOD) policies for employees whose job obligations
necessitate them to use smartphones for work frequently risk data loss.
In specific fields, such as accountancy, professionals must
adhere to tight rules when managing clients' personal information. Disclosure
of personal data without due care can result in severe criminal and civil
penalties and sometimes irreparable damage to a company's reputation.
Using Modern Tools Effectively
Despite the possibility of misuse, cell phones offer
numerous advantages to busy workers. Mobile devices facilitate improved
communication amongst coworkers, particularly in organizations with various
teams in different regions. Additionally, cell phones can boost
overall productivity by making specific jobs easier.
When working remotely, you can use your cell phone to
distribute project-related podcasts to other team members or to notify
coworkers of quarterly reports. You can rapidly communicate crucial changes
with custom-created groups of individuals. You can also establish calendar
notifications for high-priority tasks to be reminded you of future meetings and
deadlines.
Some occupations require regular travel, and cell phones can
help you track business travel expenses. Numerous online accounting solutions,
such as Quickbooks Online, include mobile applications. You can immediately incorporate
particular costs into the organization's budget if approved.
It is impolite to speak on a cell phone during a meeting.
However, you may bring a gadget for taking notes. Numerous mobile phones
include a voice recorder. This can boost your efficiency since you will only
spend time calling your supervisor to inquire about something you missed.
Remember to alert your supervisor if the agenda contains crucial information
before recording.
If your firm delivers everything from groceries to household
goods, you can broaden your customers' payment options by accepting credit card
payments with Square or comparable technology. These gadgets can improve income
for businesses as fewer individuals carry cash and are accustomed to paying
with plastic. You can use a mobile app to scan a barcode to confirm receipt if
you need to transmit textual correspondence that requires a permit.
Tips for Data Security
Your HR department will likely supply you with cell phone
usage advice. However, consider the following advice, mainly if you use your
device rather than the one provided by your employer.
1.
VPN - A virtual private network (VPN) safeguards
data by permitting devices to connect through remote servers. The majority of
firms offer VPN services to employees with their own devices. If not, you must
purchase your device at your own expense. This will safeguard your company and
personal information while using a public Wi-Fi network.
2.
Antivirus and antivirus software - To safeguard
mobile devices, you must protect them like laptops. Although this program is
not perfect, it significantly minimizes the danger of data loss due to hackers.
3.
Email attachments can propagate viruses and
malicious software. Use secure applications for sharing, such as Google Docs or
Dropbox.
4.
lock - configure your phone to lock
automatically when inactive and select a secure PIN. This ensures that your
information is always protected, even if your phone is lost or stolen. Create a
PIN for enhanced security if you have a newer smartphone with facial
recognition.
Employ Smartphones Prudently at Work
When utilized appropriately, cell phones can increase
productivity during work. In addition, even a cursory check of
notifications can distract and impair attention. Using your cell phone
effectively at work can increase your productivity and help you advance in your
career.
