Data theft fears ring in curbs at the workplace

C Shivakumar
Chennai:
The mobile phones would have heralded a communication revolution but companies fear that they could be misused by employees and have brought in regulations to curb its use in workplace.

Human resources managers are trying to chart out guidelines on when and where the mobile phones should be used. “It is truly a challenge on when and where to draw the line,” says a human resources manager on condition of anonymity.

Interestingly, many firms fear that if they put in place too many restrictions it would be difficult to retain the employees.

“The younger generation is tech savvy and it is quite difficult to disconnect them from their phone,” says a human resources executive whose company follows the policy of no-use of mobile phones at workplace.

As youngsters now a days are using two or three gadgets, companies should look at the option of allowing them or it would be story of fish without oxygen, he says.

“We have to give them the opportunity to behave like adults,” he says.

P V Guruvayurappan, vice-president, human resources Omega Healthcare, says that his firm has totally banned the use of mobile phones in office premises. “Employees have to keep it in the locker before reporting to work,” he said.

While consumers are being encouraged to adopt stricter smartphone security measures to protect personal data, the issue of loss or theft is an even bigger concern for corporations forcing firms like Williams Lea, a UK-based global BPO company, bring in stringent regulations to ban the use of mobile phone in the office. Aarthi Rajaraman, director of human resources William Lea, says the younger generation may be tech savvy but when they understand the need to not to use their phones for the next eight hours, she says.

But few human resources managers who are working with IT companies feel that too much restrictions would affect productive. “We are living in a world where technology has become part and parcel of life. A youngster’s whole life is programmed in his mobile phone. If lot of restrictions are put in force, he won’t be able to enjoy his work,” says a HR manager of an IT firm.