There have always been ways for your employees to goof off. I’ve had plenty of discussions over the misuse of distracting devices, typically personal stereos and cellphones. Now it’s the smartphone, the ultimate distraction.

As employers we need a rational way of dealing with this.

I can understand someone wanting to be available in an emergency. Having the security of knowing that you can be contacted is reassuring. But when that device starts appearing for no reason other than the user can't resist the tug of their favorite chatroom or social media site, we have a much bigger problem.

What can we do about it?

D.D.