Talking and texting are prohibited in any company building, even offices.
This may seem shocking to some, but there is a cell phone epidemic spreading like a disease. It could be the zombie apocalypse that we have been anticipating for a while. Do you see mindless drones that wander aimlessly and are completely unaware of their surroundings before crashing into objects? People tethered and tied to their phones are shockingly similar to the episode of The Walking Dead.
We need a hero who can lead us out of the darkness. But, honestly, we didn’t expect General Motors to be that hero. Fast Company reports that the automaker has a strict no smartphone policy for employees who are walking or using their phones. These rules are common in assembly plants where people could slip on wet floors or be slightly killed by robots. This new rule extends it to office buildings, as well. Inattentive employees can be harmed by crowded hallways, narrow doors, and elevator doors that are sensitive to time. Safety guidelines apply to everyone, not just Mary Barra, CEO.
Jim Glynn, Fast Company’s vice president of global workplace safety, stated that people should not text, walk or talk on their phones. “It distracts from potential hazards.” Glynn, GM’s vice-president of global workplace safety, is the author. While we have taken a humorous stance on this story, there are real dangers from being distracted in any office environment.
It is no secret that smartphones are becoming more tightly linked to our lives than ever. Injuries are common because we are glued to our phones 24/7. It’s hilarious when someone bumps into a colleague or a wall. It’s not as funny when someone falls off a ledge or walks into traffic.
We salute GM for this initiative and encourage others to walk without their phones. You can still see what’s on the screen 20 seconds later, when you get to your destination.