For reference this is in Ontario, Canada.
Happened this morning, the president is a complete you know what and does not know how to run his own company. He sits in his office all day watching all the cameras and smoking his vape (inside I might add). Received an email this morning from a supervisor saying:
“Title – Head phones / ear buds:
Unless you are using the above when in a meeting, please refrain from using during working hours. Lunch and breaks are fine.”
I replied back with a nicely worded email:
“Hello,
I wanted to take a moment to address the recent proposal to restrict the use of headphones and earbuds in the workplace. While I understand the need to maintain a productive and focused work environment, I would like to respectfully express my concerns about implementing such a policy.
Firstly, it's important to acknowledge that many of us use headphones or earbuds to improve our focus and concentration while working. These devices can help drown out background noise, which can be especially beneficial in an open office environment where distractions are common. By allowing employees to use headphones, we may actually enhance productivity by enabling individuals to create a workspace that suits their personal preferences and work style.
Furthermore, it's worth noting that some tasks and roles within our company may require a high degree of concentration and attention to detail. In such cases, employees may rely on music or white noise through their headphones to help them maintain their focus and deliver quality results. Banning these devices could inadvertently hinder the performance of individuals in these roles.
Additionally, it's essential to consider the impact on employee morale. Employees appreciate a degree of autonomy and trust in the workplace. When we trust our team members to manage their time and tasks responsibly, it can foster a sense of ownership and commitment to their work. A restrictive policy on headphones and earbuds might be perceived as micromanagement, potentially leading to decreased morale and job satisfaction.
I would also like to propose an alternative solution: establishing guidelines for headphone and earbud use rather than an outright ban. These guidelines can include rules about volume levels, and/or having only one ear covered, ensuring that they do not interfere with team communication or safety protocols.
In conclusion, I believe that implementing a complete ban on headphones and earbuds could have unintended consequences, such as decreased productivity, potential negative effects on morale, and resistance from employees. I recommend that we consider a more balanced approach, such as the establishment of guidelines that allow for responsible headphone and earbud use while maintaining our commitment to a productive and focused work environment.
I would be more than willing to discuss this matter further or participate in any discussions or meetings to find a solution that benefits both the company's goals and employee well-being.
Thank you for considering these points.”
There was then a response:
“Please do not mistake the e mail that I sent , It was not a proposal.
Please stop using the devices altogether. Music is banned in the workplace.
If you have some sort of alternatives there is a health and safety meeting today that you could send your alternatives through ***** and they can be reviewed.”
This is ridiculous and I cannot focus at all as my office is located IN THE WAREHOUSE, I need background noise aka music to focus and the fact they don't even offer ear protection for the amount of noise in here (CNC Machine, Table saws, drills, forklifts) is insane.
Anyone have experience getting a doctors note or something saying I need music to focus? Is that a thing? Also will be making an OHSA call for an inspection.