Should I allow my employees use the ipod during work hours?

Question

I saw and they are not working focus on the job.

Answer 1

It depends on how much of a distraction it is.

I listen to music in earphones all day long at work (similiar to IPOD), and it doesnt distract me a bit or take away from my quality of work.

For most jobs, I cant imagine that listening to music would be that distracting as to lower the quality of work. Listening to music is a passive activity, which means you can listen to music without losing much concentration on an active activity.

Answer 2

NO!! I own a business and have a problem with employees trying to use their cell phones on the job all the time. When they are on the phone with a personal call, they are not doing their job! I would think it would be the same for an ipod...it's a distraction.

Answer 3

Do what you feel is right for the business. You hold the position of Authority. Don't be afraid to make a rule that is unfavorable. Quality is important and quality comes from being focused on the task at hand.

On a side note: I don't mean to be rude to you but you shouldn't be asking this question if you are the boss. The people here on Answers do not know your business better than you. I am not saying to not get any input but that input should come from your employees who are also part of your business. Not from people looking to get more points. Again do what you feel is best for your business.

Answer 4

It depends on the work environment and job duties. If there are a lot of distractions/noise listening to music can help them to concentrate on their set of responsibilitites. If the employee has to answer the phone they may not hear it ring, or if they deal with the public a lot it can look unprofessional.

Answer 5

It depends on what there are doing. I work in a large office environment with cubes where there are lots of distractions. Using an Ipod helps me focus on what I am doing. It helps when I am working on spreadsheets, writing email, or focusing on an indepth reading.

If I had to answer the phone, it wouldn't be appropriate.

Answer 6

I manage a CAD department with 6 other people, all of them have ipods or some other music player. The are definatly more productive when they don't distract each other and I don't have to worry about them using our internet connection to listen to the radio and the music is not on the company PC

Answer 7

As long as the main focus is still on the work at hand. In my office, we had radios on our phones that we could listen to if we wanted. As long as they are not a distraction, it should not be a problem

Answer 8

I wouldn't even consider it. If my employees are not mature enough to know when to work and when to play, then I don't need them. Remember, every person that works for you, represents you. How they look, act, dress, and their mannerisms reflect on you and how you run things. Make sure all of your employees reflect on how you want to be seen and thought of.

Answer 9

yes absolutely, I own my own business as well, and ive noticed that when they have headphones on there is less talking and more progress, and they genuinely seem to work better, im even doing it now, it for some reason is motivational, and it breaks the silence and keeps the boredom at bay

Answer 10

It depends if they are "bopping their head" to the music. Some are into the music then the work. So, if you want it to stop, have a meeting. If you want them to listen to music, then have a radio in their cubicle.