How do mobile phone bans for employee drivers really impact on productivity? In Stage 6 of our Seven Stages of Distraction Denial series, eDriving’s award-winning Brain Scientist Advisor Paul Atchley Ph.D. explains why there is no good business case for employees to use their phones while driving and shares tips for managers on setting the correct example.
Stage 6: I can’t afford to lose the productivity, I’ll take the risk
Should all companies consider employee distracted driving bans?
There is no good business case for employees to use their phones while driving. It hurts productivity, it decreases safety, and it sends a message to employees that leadership doesn’t care about them.
But will a company-wide distracted driving ban reduce productivity?
Is an employee using half their brain a productive employee? The answer is “No”. Would you want an employee distracted by a complicated task doing work for you, talking to customers or making decisions? If the answer is “No”, then put the phone down while driving.
How can managers reinforce, encourage and sustain distracted driving bans?
Change starts with leadership. Leaders must themselves embrace change and be strict about not driving distracted. This also means choosing to not call or talk to employees while they drive, even if it seems urgent. If it is urgent, develop a system to contact employees in a way that they can pull over and call back.
To learn more about this stage and all Seven Stages of Distraction Denial, view eDriving’s webinar with Dr. Atchley in which he provides further insights and tips for avoiding distracted driving.
Distraction Denial Stage 7: Accepting the facts
Previous stages
Distraction Denial Stage 1: I am a better driver than most
Distraction Denial Stage 2: I am really good at multitasking
Distraction Denial Stage 3: It’s OK to text at stoplights
Distraction Denial Stage 4: Hands-free calls are OK
Distraction Denial Stage 5: My car’s technology makes me safe
