Open Forum

  • 1.  Music in the workplace

    Posted 01-29-2018 03:07 PM
    I am interested in opinions and polices associated with the use of music (earbuds, radios) in offset/digital/bindery/mailing workplace.  We currently ban the use throughout the plant from the front offices to shipping.  I realize there are areas where the use of these devices is flat out dangerous.  What about client services/accounting/prepress and programmers?  So, if you allow it it how do you manage it? I have always operated on the premise that it is easier to ban the usage entirely rather than trying to police it...  but, I'm old school. 

    Your thoughts, please............

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    L.F. Miller
    ImageMark
    3145 Northwest Blvd
    Gastonia NC 28052
    980 - 251 - 1719
    lf.miller@...
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  • 2.  RE: Music in the workplace

    Posted 01-30-2018 03:50 AM
    This is a tough issue that I have been trying to formulate a policy for as well. To me it has to include cellphones as well. I had safety and data consultants recommend to ban it from the shop and that would probably be the cleanest approach from a legal standpoint. I have not yet had anyone tell me that we absolutely could not allow earbuds or cellphones on the floor. If they did that would most likely change things. 

    My current policy is that earbuds can be used in jobs that can be done in a stationary position or when doing fulfillment work around a fixed table. It is banned if you are operating equipment. Typically the hand fulfillment, prepress and data personnel use them. (I grew up in a generation that said you cannot possibly concentrate with music playing while you are working but somewhere with the Millennials or Gen Z that became acceptable). Phones cannot be used for video or social media but I would lying if I said it did not occur. Every once in a while I have to directly address it with an employee who abuses it and word gets around. Much depends on your company culture and the atmosphere that you want to create. At some point I may do a outright ban of cellphones but I am not there yet as I feel the benefits to the morale exceed any downside.

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    Joe Olivo
    President
    Perfect Communications
    Moorestown NJ
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  • 3.  RE: Music in the workplace

    Posted 01-31-2018 06:30 AM

    Like Joe said, it's kind of a gray area. Some jobs, like machine operation, are much too dangerous, and the operators know this. Others, it won't matter.

    We notice that when rules are less rigid and people are allowed some individual freedom, their productivity goes up. So, it works for everyone.

    Cheers,

    Marc



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    Marc Zazeela
    APC Postal Logistics, LLC
    East Rutherford NJ
    201-372-9700
    marcz@...
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  • 4.  RE: Music in the workplace

    Posted 01-31-2018 08:23 AM
    The policy here is no cell phones on the production floor except for management when used for company business only. Ear buds are a big no no for anyone.  The secondary reason for this ( after safety) is to ensure customer materials/data is kept confidential ( pictures, video, etc).

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    Manuel Marquez
    Postal Affairs Supervisor
    RR Donnelley Logistic Svcs
    Bolingbrook IL
    (630) 972-2885
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  • 5.  RE: Music in the workplace

    Posted 02-01-2018 09:32 AM
    I grew up in print and always saw pressmen with their own radios. Earbuds are different because they don't allow you to hear things around for safety reasons. 

    If you're operating machinery you can't wear headphones so you can hear the press etc.. A lot of diagnosis of something going wrong on a press or a bindery machine is listening to it. 

    I understand the data safety as well especially if you're Soc2 and HIPAA

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    Jesse Mansfield
    CEO
    The Print Shoppe
    Austin TX
    (512) 328-9206
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