Cellular Phones

This policy outlines the use of company and personal cell phones at work, including personal use of business cell phones, safe use while driving, and hot spot usage.

Procedures

Personal Cellular Phones

• Usage Restrictions: Personal cell phones are not allowed in the building or work area without prior manager approval. Personal calls, texting, and internet use must be done outside the employer’s/customer’s premises.
• Breaks and Emergencies: Personal calls, texts, and internet use are allowed only during 15-minute breaks, lunch periods, or with manager approval for immediate family emergencies. Employees must step away from their work area for personal calls or texts.
• Disciplinary Actions: Unauthorized use of personal cell phones during work hours will result in progressive discipline.

Company Cellular Phones

• Usage Restrictions: Company phones are for business use only. Personal use during work hours requires prior manager approval for immediate family emergencies.
• Breaks and Emergencies: Employees must step away from their work area for personal calls or texts during breaks or lunch periods. For emergencies outside these times, stepping away is also required.
• Driving Safety: Voice calls on company phones while driving are allowed only in hands-free mode. Texting while driving is prohibited.
• Monitoring and Accountability: Company phone logs may be audited to ensure no unauthorized use. Employees must protect company equipment from loss, damage, or theft and return it upon request or termination. Failure to do so may result in bearing replacement costs and potential legal action.

Hot Spot Usage

• Approval and Usage: Employees must obtain prior approval from their manager to use company-provided hot spots. Hot spots are to be used strictly for business purposes.
• Security: Employees must ensure that hot spots are used securely to prevent unauthorized access to company data. This includes using strong passwords and not sharing the hot spot with unauthorized individuals.
• Monitoring: Usage of company hot spots may be monitored to ensure compliance with company policies. Unauthorized use may result in disciplinary action.

Consequences for Policy Violations

• Progressive Discipline: Violations of this policy will result in progressive disciplinary actions, which may include verbal warnings, written warnings, suspension, and up to termination of employment, depending on the severity and frequency of the violations.
• Immediate Termination: Management reserves the right to enact immediate termination for any severe rule violation, especially those that compromise safety or security.

• Examples of Severe Violations:

  • Using a company phone or hot spot for illegal activities.
  • Sharing confidential company information via personal or company cell phones.
  • Repeated unauthorized personal use of company phones or hot spots.
  • Texting while driving a company vehicle.
• Financial Liability: Employees may be held financially responsible for the loss, damage, or theft of company equipment due to negligence or unauthorized use.
• Legal Action: Unauthorized charges or failure to return company equipment may result in legal action to recover losses.

Employee Responsibilities

• Compliance: Employees must comply with all aspects of this policy and any related company policies.
• Security: Employees are responsible for the security of company equipment and data. This includes using strong passwords and not sharing devices or access with unauthorized individuals.
• Reporting: Employees must report any loss, damage, or theft of company equipment immediately to their manager.
• Safe Usage: Employees must use cell phones and hot spots safely, especially while driving, and adhere to all relevant laws and company guidelines.
• Return of Equipment: Employees must return all company equipment in good working condition upon request or termination of employment.

General Notes

• Policy Modifications: Northeast Data reserves the right to modify this policy at any time.