EDITORIAL - Are we too connected?

The word is out! 

 

According to Gillian Alleyne, Senior Assistant General Secretary and Human Resource Manager at the Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU), cell phones are the biggest time wasters in the workplace and as workers try to stay connected day in and day out, productivity is being affected.

 

It appears that some employees are more concerned about what is happening in their social circles than in their workplaces, and as soon as that beloved cell phones makes a buzz or a ring, workers have to tune in and keep abreast of every minute detail outside of the office. 

 

Of course, it is a no-brainer that employers would perhaps be happier if the attention given to the cell phone was given to the work computer or the actual work allotted to be done. But alas, the almighty cell phone is often used to chat away on mobile messaging apps and to survey various social media sites. What is worse, is that some workers may even be using the company’s data services during company time to engage in these unproductive activities.

 

Moving outside of the workplace, we see how this need to feel connected is causing other problems as well. We have seen it far too many times, where drivers are tuned into their cell phones as they travel to and fro, and they often risk life and limb to engage a friend or two on a call.

 

Time and time again, the warning against driving and using one’s mobile phone has gone out. Time and time again, the message is ignored. It is as if Bajans just can’t help 

themselves when that phone rings or pings. From drivers of cars, to those at the truck wheel, we have seen it all. What will it take to convince Barbadians that driving and talking or texting on a cellular phone is a bad idea, and that such action could actually prove deadly?

 

Clearly some drastic measures are needed to send the message to Barbadians that endangering life and limb by using mobile phones whilst driving is not acceptable. 

 

But then again, we seem to only be a nation of talkers when it comes to matters such as this one. Yet we seem appalled when we hear the figures and statistics given annually for accidents taking place on our roads. Yes, some may be caused by careless drivers and those speeding, but some accidents may also be caused by mindless drivers who constantly reach for their cellphones while on the road. 

 

And at the level of the workplace, employers need to determine how far is too far when it comes to use of workers’ cell phones. Certainly, the aim cannot be to stop employees from 

maintaining contact with the outside world. Such a suggestion would be preposterous. 

 

What employers need to do is find a way to indicate to workers that their productivity is being measured and those who fall short, for whatever reason – cell phone or otherwise – should be given some time to make improvements. After a certain time frame, steps should be taken to weed out the good crop from the bad. 

 

Just as workers want their employers to treat them fairly and to give them their dues, they need to realise that they too have a duty to give of their best in the workplace.

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