Can my employer forbid me from talking on the phone during working hours?
May 1, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Babette Krüger
Dear Employment Lawyer,
My name is Marcus Schreiber and I have been working as a sales representative in a medium-sized company for the past two years. Lately, I have noticed that my supervisor has been increasingly prohibiting me from making personal phone calls during working hours. These are usually short calls that I could quickly take care of without neglecting my work. However, my employer insists that I conduct my personal conversations outside of working hours.
I am concerned that important personal matters, such as urgent calls from family or friends, could be missed as a result. At the same time, I do not want to violate my employer's rules and potentially face consequences.
My question to you as an expert in employment law is: Can my employer actually forbid me from making phone calls during working hours? Are there any legal regulations or provisions that justify his ban, or am I restricted in my rights as an employee? What options do I have to address this situation and potentially enforce my right to make personal phone calls during working hours?
I thank you in advance for your support and look forward to your professional advice.
Sincerely,
Marcus Schreiber
Dear Mr. Schreiber,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the possibility of making private phone calls during working hours. As an expert in labor law, I can understand your concerns and questions well and will be happy to provide you with a detailed answer.
In general, your employer has the right to establish certain rules and guidelines for working hours. This includes the question of whether private phone calls are allowed during working hours or not. Typically, employers are entitled to prohibit private phone calls during working hours as long as they do not interfere with work performance.
It is important to understand that working hours belong to the employer and they can determine how they should be used. If your supervisor believes that private phone calls during working hours affect productivity, they can establish appropriate rules.
However, there are exceptions where private phone calls may be permitted during working hours. For example, in cases of important personal matters such as urgent calls from family or friends. In such cases, employers generally show understanding and make exceptions.
To clarify this matter, I recommend discussing your concerns openly with your supervisor. Perhaps you can find a solution together that takes into account both work requirements and your personal needs.
If conflicts arise or if your employer continues to prohibit private phone calls during working hours, you have the option to seek advice from a labor law attorney. They can assess your situation and help you assert your rights as an employee.
In conclusion, it is important that you respect your employer's rules and guidelines as long as they are legally justified. However, if you feel that your rights are being violated, do not hesitate to seek professional help.
I hope that my response was helpful to you and I am available to answer any further questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Babette Krüger
Labor Law Attorney
