Ring ring: Should I let my employees use their phones at work?

28 August 2026

For many people, their phone is an extension of themselves. It holds all your information, contacts, dopamine releases and cherished photographs.

Approximately 60 per cent of people experience a sense of anxiety when they are separated from their phone, a phenomenon known as nomophobia.

However, there are times within the day when using a phone may be inappropriate, one of which is at work.

Employers are now facing a challenge like no other. Deciding what to do with mobile phones in the workplace.

Can I stop employees from using their phones at work?

Deciding on phones in the workplace can be tricky. There is a careful balance that should be met between an all-out no and a go-ahead that employers need to manage.

While it is possible to put a blanket ban on the use of phones in the workplace through policies, employers should consider the emotional impact it can have on employees who are used to 24/7 screen time.

If an employee is scrolling through TikTok at their desk, then there may be cause for a ban on phones. But if employees are quickly responding to messages or dealing with a genuine emergency, the act of banning phones could cause more harm than good.

There are some situations in which phone usage is completely unacceptable, these include:

• Working in a place where distraction may cause a safety hazard.
• Face-to-face customer service roles.
• Working in sterile environments.
• An employee working with sensitive information.

It is up to the employer to consider whether phones can be used in the workplace, and to what extent.

This should always be communicated through robust policies and should not single out employees.

The importance of having a phone policy at work

Having a policy on phones in the workplace helps to set clear expectations for employees around the appropriate use of phones during working hours.

There are also considerations around confidentiality. If an employee is working with sensitive information, unrestricted phone use may increase the chances of an accidental data breach.

A clear policy can also support health and safety practices within the workplace. In an environment where distraction can lead to accidents, regulating phone usage can help to create safer working environments.

Policies on phones also create fairness amongst all employees. Having robust policies in place ensures that all employees are treated fairly, so that there can be no confusion around discrimination surrounding phone usage.

What should a phone policy include?

When creating policies around phones at work, there tend to be two types that are used. These are:

• Strict phone policies – In these types of policies, phone usage is strictly prohibited. This could mean that phones are turned off during working hours, devices are banned in meetings or that phones must be kept in a bag or company storage locker during working hours.
• Flexible phone policies – In these types of policies, phone use is permitted under certain circumstances. This could mean that employees can have their phone but on vibrate, texts and calls can be made, but away from the desk or that devices can be used but never during meetings.

If employers are enforcing a strict phone policy, it may be beneficial to have occupational support close in case staff are struggling with the transition.

How can we help?

Developing phone policies can be a controversial topic between employees and employers. However, often this is a necessity when ensuring fairness within the workplace.

Our team of solicitors can help you when developing phone policies to ensure that they are fair and represent the industry in which you employ staff.

For support with phone policies, give our team a call!