glow8490
Newbie
Posts: 41
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« on: February 21, 2008, 08:58:32 pm » |
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My company provides me with a cell phone and I've just been advised by my boss that I must have it on my person at all times to answer during my 8:00-5:00 day in case he needs to reach me when he is out of the office. I also have my own personal cell phone, so I ignore the company phone if I feel so inclined on weekends and later evening hours. Yes, he's called at 11:00 pm before while traveling. I didn't pick that one up; my husband was very angry about that call.
The reason this came about is a long story. Condensed version - I missed a call from him while I was at lunch. He wanted me to cancel a dental appt that he was already late for and had reconfirmed earlier in the day.
My biggest problem is, not all my office attire has pockets to put the phone in. I could use one of those clips with my pants and skirts that don't have pockets, but I have some dresses and jackets (no pockets). Help! Has anyone used one of those holders that puts the phone around your neck? Also, do I then always need to carry a pad of paper and a pen with me? He called yesterday with all kinds of orders when I was in the midst of setting up a luncheon.
Your suggestions are much appreciated until I get a new job (yes, it's come to that). I can't wait until the first time he calls me on that phone and I'm in the ladies room : ) Guess I'll have to stop what I'm doing then and devote my attention to what he needs to have done.
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spitfire78
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« Reply #1 on: February 21, 2008, 09:02:17 pm » |
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Oh, I don't know about that. I think I'd be tempted to flush the toilet while he was speaking!!!
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diamondlady
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« Reply #2 on: February 21, 2008, 09:46:12 pm » |
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Or maybe sorry boss I can't hear you, can you hear me? Hello? Hello? Really, can you hear me, I can't hear you. Sorry, bye! Diamondlady Peer Moderator  |
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misslynn
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« Reply #3 on: February 21, 2008, 10:21:30 pm » |
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I haven't figured out why exactly so many women's business outfits don't have pockets but I have the same problem with my phone. I've gotten used to carrying my cell around, my old model had a wrist-strap that made it much easier. That's an idea for you to possibly look into, they have some different designs (I picked one up at the Coach store). I do also carry around my daily notebook (it's small so it fits in my purse). Gotta be available for the boss anytime he calls... Unless I'm in the restroom, I definitely draw the line there.  |
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newtofl
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« Reply #5 on: February 22, 2008, 01:54:12 pm » |
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I worked for a company that also required that I have my company cell phone with me at all times during the day. I only received one after hours call from my boss but it was urgent. His son was sick so he needed to get home quickly and he needed to change his travel plans and needed my help. My husband was annoyed that I had to stop what I was doing to help bossie but under the circumstances he understood. I don't think I had a real problem with carrying around the cell phone since I always had it on my desk or in my purse or I carried it with me. But..... I would never take it in the bathroom - I don't think there is any problem that could not wait 5 minutes (or however long it takes in there) to call the caller back.
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itsme_calista
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« Reply #6 on: February 22, 2008, 02:52:09 pm » |
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My co provide me with a cell however, it stays firmly on my desk after 5.00 pm and during my lunch hour! I am not paid to work during lunch or after hours so I don't see why I should.
As for during lunch, there are very few things that can't wait until I'm available and he can leave as message on my voicemail.
I have no advice about carrying it around but I would certainly draw the line at being told that I have to have the phone on me at all times.
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Atlanta Z3
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« Reply #7 on: February 22, 2008, 04:00:21 pm » |
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Would a small messenger bag work - I'm thinking phone pad and pen could all go in it - sort of purse like. It may not be the most professional look with a suit, but I think it would be functional. If he wants you available at lunch he needs to pay you for that time - but real world won't happen. I would leave the phone at work and not give this person my personal cell number. Too many companies are expecting 24 hour service from employees - what happened to life work balance.
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gee4
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« Reply #8 on: February 22, 2008, 07:17:17 pm » |
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Firstly Glow, good luck with the new regime!
Secondly, you are entitled to lunch breaks (and toilet breaks), so if he really wanted you that bad he would have called you outside break times when he knew you could be reached.
Not only that but you might have had an appt yourself or been driving so I would be careful of his requests as it sounds like he may be taking advantage.
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peaches2160
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« Reply #9 on: February 23, 2008, 05:25:11 am » |
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I guess I am blessed. My boss has called my cell twice. Both were urgent needs. However, it is my personal cell and I chose to provide the number in case of emergency he can reach me.
I guess we both respect each others need for personal time at the office like lunch and potty breaks. I'm curious, did the boss have to pay for the dental visit he missed? Could he not have called the dentist when he could not get you?
I think I would have a discussion with the boss about the cell phone and the time to use it. It has voice mail, right? Leave a message and you just make sure to check the messages after breaks and lunch and call him back. The phone would be turned off once I left the office though.
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laurafmcdermott
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« Reply #10 on: February 25, 2008, 02:35:34 pm » |
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Sounds like you are ready to move on from this position--I'm glad because as many others have said, you need your own time! I'm curious as to why at that particular time, since he could call you to ask you to cancel his appointment, why he couldn't call to cancel himself?
Anyway, for carrying it around day-to-day, I would get a small portfolio to hold a small pad of paper and a pen, and then clip the cell phone holder to the portfolio. You still have to carry something, but at least it's all together.
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raindance
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« Reply #11 on: February 25, 2008, 03:53:12 pm » |
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You've received some good suggestions here about equipment for enabling you to deal with potential calls. I would, however, like to address the issue of your manager being able to contact you, and this advice is for the future (your current manager being beyond reason or redemption).
If the agreement is that you may be contacted during working hours, then your phone should be switched on at the beginning of the period and switched off at the end of the period, with arrangement that it goes through to the answering service if you are unable to answer the call because you are attending to something else or at lunch etc. There is no reason why a message cannot be clear enough for you to take down notes when it is convenient. And no-one should be calling you on your own telephone.
However, if a manager really does require you to be available 24/7, then your contract and remuneration package should reflect that.
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glow8490
Newbie
Posts: 41
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« Reply #12 on: February 25, 2008, 11:58:28 pm » |
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Lots of good advice from everyone on the Boards (as usual). A lot to think about and consider. I had to laugh today. I was asked to reschedule the dental appointment. Maybe I should drive him there myself! I don't think I'll suggest it, though. He might just take me up on it.
Glow
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