MP3 Player Use

roxy62249

Does anyone have a policy regarding use of MP3 players in an office during work hours?

Paul in Cannon Beach

Interesting question. Our policy simply states that individual departments will set guidelines for personal stereo systems.

For example, our housekeepers are allowed to listen to music while working.

I suppose whatever policy you would create would depend on the office, the need for ee's to be able to communicate with eachother, how "informal" the office atmosphere was, and what kind of work the ee's were doing.

If the office staff were web designers and listening to music helped them be more creative, then it would seem appropriate.

Are you having some problems with ee's listening to mp3 players or Ipods?

roxy62249

No, we're not having a problem, but the question came up when a newly graduated college student joined our rather old office group - average age 40. I don't think it's an issue for this particular person, because it may help her concentrate and be more creative. The problem will lie in differentiating between positions where another employee needs to be alert to the phone, other conversations, things going on around them and it becomes a distraction. We have a relatively small office - 35 people. Unfortunately, these issues can quickly become the topic around the water cooler for some people. I'm inclined to let it go and not have an overall policy. If it's an issue for the supervisor where job performance is called into question, let the supervisor make the decision.

KathyHR

We have one department, not in the public area, that is allowed to have headphones to listen to music. They use computers all day long and it seems to help them concentrate. We don't have a policy about the usage.

NaeNae55

We have several employees who do data entry and customer service. They are allowed to listen to headphones, which amounts to the same thing. They understand that they must be able to hear the phone, and answer it promptly.

We see this as allowing individuality and personal freedom. The employees appreciate it so it helps morale.

If we had an employee who couldn't do both, then we would probably treat it as a discipline issue. Most likely they would lose 'music' priviledges. We have been allowing this for many years, and so far it has not been a problem.

Good luck

Nae