Apple Watch: Banned at Work? [MERGED]

[convergent]

If I were working in this animal clinic that had these rules, I'd probably look for another place to work. My reason is that this boss sounds like a nut job. If they make irrational decisions in one case, they'll probably make them in others, and therefore I could not really trust them. But, while still working there I would honor the rules of the place since its their business and their purgative to come up with whatever wacky policies they want.

Was any rationale given for the policy change? It would be a little different if they had a valid basis for the decision that was shared with the employees to help them understand why the working environment was changed. If it was just blasted out with "follow the new rule or quit", I would find that to be a pretty draconian way to manage... again a reason I wouldn't want to work for this person. Have you asked them why they put this rule into place? You said no one has been abusing a smartwatch at work, so why change a rule. There is always a reason.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Was any rationale given for the policy change? It would be a little different if they had a valid basis for the decision that was shared with the employees to help them understand why the working environment was changed.

You and several members make it sound like it's a completely different policy. In reality, it's an extension of the employer's existing policy prohibiting phone use on the job as well as phones on their persons. Given that the AW is capable of many of the same functions as phones it's only natural that they'd be banned as well. The working environment hasn't changed.

 

[cariacou]

give one to your employer for christmas. maybe he'll use it and realize that it's not a UFO

 

[Tæylor]

I'm a preschool teacher so they welcome any kind of technology into the classroom that we can use with the kids, help plan lessons and just have fun with. Can't do much with an AW with the kids but reminders and little things help and I don't see technology ever being banned.

Yeah meh too at my school they allow ppl to wear on electronic wearables
[doublepost=1457913021][/doublepost]At my school, the kids are allowed to wear Apple Watches to school except they have to put their iPhone in their pocket where the staff can't see it or is it possible if u put ur iPhone in ur backpack and wear on the Apple Watch in school? If possible, teh Apple Watch can be disconnected
Ok?

 

[NovemberWhiskey]

...or figure out a way to strap it to my bra and if I do that if it would still count my activity??

Gonna need pics to be sure...

 

[convergent]

You and several members make it sound like it's a completely different policy. In reality, it's an extension of the employer's existing policy prohibiting phone use on the job as well as phones on their persons. Given that the AW is capable of many of the same functions as phones it's only natural that they'd be banned as well. The working environment hasn't changed.

Don't agree with you here. There are smartwatches that function without the use of a phone at all. Also, the banning was on possessing a phone, not just using it.

That said, my statement that the boss is wacky equally applies to banning phones. This isn't a high security area, its a pet clinic. What exactly could be going on there that they would ban phones? Are they abusing pets and not want secret videos? If the issue is that people are abusing the phones then this is a management issue. Banning use while working is a lot different than telling someone they can't have it on them. As I said, its a judgement thing for me and I wouldn't want to stake my career in a place where I thought the boss lacked good judgement. Not expecting everyone to agree.

 

[JayLenochiniMac]

Don't agree with you here. There are smartwatches that function without the use of a phone at all. Also, the banning was on possessing a phone, not just using it.

That said, my statement that the boss is wacky equally applies to banning phones. This isn't a high security area, its a pet clinic. What exactly could be going on there that they would ban phones? Are they abusing pets and not want secret videos? If the issue is that people are abusing the phones then this is a management issue. Banning use while working is a lot different than telling someone they can't have it on them. As I said, its a judgement thing for me and I wouldn't want to stake my career in a place where I thought the boss lacked good judgement. Not expecting everyone to agree.

You mean phone-free smartwatches that are capable of certain functions against which the employer already has a rule during work hours? How's this supposed to be any different?

The employer really doesn't need to justify their policy. If they don't want their workers surfing the Internet while on the job, they're free to enforce it and prospective employees are free to decline the job if they don't agree with this rule. A number of employers do this in the real world so I can only assume you've led a rather sheltered career.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Don't agree with you here. There are smartwatches that function without the use of a phone at all. Also, the banning was on possessing a phone, not just using it.

That said, my statement that the boss is wacky equally applies to banning phones. This isn't a high security area, its a pet clinic. What exactly could be going on there that they would ban phones? Are they abusing pets and not want secret videos? If the issue is that people are abusing the phones then this is a management issue. Banning use while working is a lot different than telling someone they can't have it on them. As I said, its a judgement thing for me and I wouldn't want to stake my career in a place where I thought the boss lacked good judgement. Not expecting everyone to agree.

Like other have said if you do not like the rules, impress everyone and quit. As an employee, you boss has a right to your eight hours a day.

 

[adib]

No phones on you and no use of phone while on the clock. That's been a rule for awhile but everyone occasionally checks their phones.
[doublepost=1456445403][/doublepost]
Ummm. No. Lol.

Sounds like you need to find another employer.

 

[clauzzz203]

If there's an emergency, then your spouse, family, or child, school, etc. can call the office phone.

The smart watches are simply a way to circumvent the rules. Therefore also being prohibited.

I've worked for places where you had to lock your phone up at the beginning of the day. And you could use it on breaks, and during your lunch hour. If you were found to have it with you at any other time, then you were fired on the spot.

It's not always about security. Often it's just about the employer not paying you to waste time on personal matters. And if the business has an office phone, then there's no reason you need a personal phone while you're working.

If my employer (a huge multinational, completely dedicated to employee happiness, great place really) would do such a thing, I would quit. Then write on macrumors about it...

 

[Rajani Isa]

I'm a preschool teacher. No phones out or on you during work. I figure if I disable the Bluetooth on my phone and don't receive any notifications, or at the very least, use do not disturb, then I'll be fine.

I hope your school doesn't also require all life-saving drugs (like epi-pens and rescue inhalers) to be kept in a locked drawer in the principal's office.

Then again, maybe there are a large number of teachers at your school like that nanny candidate from NCIS where she can't even put down her phone/social media long enough to even get past the "hello" portion of the job interview.

EDIT : Just noticed this was an old thread. My apologies.

 

[woodynorman]

My boss (me) loves my Apple Watch!