On an AIA forum a principal in a firm expressed concerns about cell phones in his office and was considering instituting rules about its usage. It caught my attention because distraction addiction is a chronic problem for everyone, including me. This was my response.
I have never been a principal but I will tell you that heavy handed rules will not go over well. When I left my previous firm (which was already pretty flexible) I was surprised by how empowering it was to have complete trust by my current boss who just says “you’re a professional, get your work done on time, be fair to the division, and keep me posted if you need help.”
I get it, cell phone addiction is a real problem (I battle it myself) but you need to treat people like adults.
If you enact a formal regulation, your team will nitpick every action you make. Every time you pull out your phone for a personal call. Every time you look down at your phone take a text or email. Every time you ask them to stay overtime, especially if they are on salary. Every time you call or text them on their cell. Every time you walk into the office five minutes late. Every time they see a personal web page pulled up on your laptop. The resentment will get ugly.
Or from another angle, how would you like it if someone confiscated your phone for eight hours a day? And do you want employees who just go along with this rule? At the very least, if you create a command and control culture in your office, then don’t complain that your staff isn’t proactive and they don’t take any ownership in their work.
I agree with the other responses on this thread, you need tackle the tangible problem directly. If errors are your concern, work with your team on that. One of the solutions is coaching them on properly managing digital distractions, but you need to take the time to install a robust QAQC system. You also need to protect your team and have those difficult conversations with clients who try to impose unrealistic deadlines. Set your team up for success. Develop rapport with your staff, so each of them know the firm standards and they are motivated to excel with each issuance.
Now maybe I’m wrong and I can envision a scenario where a cell free office will be totally liberating for everybody involved. But I’d bet harsh cell phone rules are just taking the easy way out.