Using work phone for personal use
Discussion
Who has replaced their personal mobile phone with their work phone, and for those who haven't, why not?
My mobile is 3-4 years old and ideally needs replacing but I'm just not convinced by the price tag on the latest smart phone, fortunately work have just given me the latest iPhone and have invited me to use it for personal use - my boss and a few other colleagues certainly do the same.
I'm aware they can brick it at any moment so I'll make sure whats on there is backed up, and other than the convenience of not being able to keep the number should I leave I can't think of any drawbacks?
My mobile is 3-4 years old and ideally needs replacing but I'm just not convinced by the price tag on the latest smart phone, fortunately work have just given me the latest iPhone and have invited me to use it for personal use - my boss and a few other colleagues certainly do the same.
I'm aware they can brick it at any moment so I'll make sure whats on there is backed up, and other than the convenience of not being able to keep the number should I leave I can't think of any drawbacks?
I keep a separate private mobile phone, just so I have a consistent number that is in my control. Means that people can always get hold of me, regardless of what my work situation is. The small cost (£20 per month) is more than worth the peace of mind.
Oh, and it means the work phone gets switched off evenings and weekends!
Oh, and it means the work phone gets switched off evenings and weekends!
cuprabob said:
I like to.keep work phone and personal phone seperate for reasons of privacy and to be able to switch off the work phone if I want too.
This.Plus the ability to separate work and personal - unless you are at the level of seniority where you are unofficially available 24/7 - which is fine if applicable
Have only had a work phone for over 10 years, there is general acceptance that if I keep my phone with me for the very few times they need to get hold of me out of hours, (two, maybe three times as year) then my reasonable personal use is acceptable. so I get a free phone. Only an iPhone 5C son not that flash but saved me a fair few £££ over the years.
never chat for hours, or use loads of data, but never had a bill queried even when using it while on holiday abroad...
never chat for hours, or use loads of data, but never had a bill queried even when using it while on holiday abroad...
Just a work phone here. Not had a personal for at least 10 years.
I never get called out of hours and even if I did I'd probably not answer, I don't do anything that can't wait until Monday.
I don't take the piss but I don't worry about personal use. Facebook/spotify/browsing no problem.
I was pulled up once in about the last 15 years on usage and that was after my phone was stolen and they were calling some 3rd world s
thole. Even then I'd reported it and the HR bot hadn't canceled the contract so not really my fault.
I never get called out of hours and even if I did I'd probably not answer, I don't do anything that can't wait until Monday.
I don't take the piss but I don't worry about personal use. Facebook/spotify/browsing no problem.
I was pulled up once in about the last 15 years on usage and that was after my phone was stolen and they were calling some 3rd world s
thole. Even then I'd reported it and the HR bot hadn't canceled the contract so not really my fault.I would imagine IT could see everything you have looked up online using the phone. They probably wouldn't, but that would put me right off!
Just buy a mid-range phone for yourself. Even budget smartphones these days can do pretty much everything. Just make sure it is running the latest android and check a few reviews and you will be fine. Go Chinese if you dont mind a gamble to get a bit more bang for your buck.
Just buy a mid-range phone for yourself. Even budget smartphones these days can do pretty much everything. Just make sure it is running the latest android and check a few reviews and you will be fine. Go Chinese if you dont mind a gamble to get a bit more bang for your buck.
I was about to say why the hell don't you use dual SIM? But it looks like iPhones don't really support this.
In terms of personal and private mix.. it depends who at work gets your number.. Clients? Your boss? And how frequently will they contact you.
I happily give my personal number out at work, but then again it's nobody will contact me unless it's genuinely urgent or we need to speak e.g. meeting somewhere.
In terms of setting boundaries with work... There are a number of pieces of software available that allow you to implement rules for incoming calls. E.g. anyone with a label of work or unknown is blocked or on silent between X hours.
In terms of personal and private mix.. it depends who at work gets your number.. Clients? Your boss? And how frequently will they contact you.
I happily give my personal number out at work, but then again it's nobody will contact me unless it's genuinely urgent or we need to speak e.g. meeting somewhere.
In terms of setting boundaries with work... There are a number of pieces of software available that allow you to implement rules for incoming calls. E.g. anyone with a label of work or unknown is blocked or on silent between X hours.
AlexC1981 said:
I would imagine IT could see everything you have looked up online using the phone. They probably wouldn't, but that would put me right off!
Probably not (IT here). They may have installed management software on the phone and different ones do different thing but most IT people really have better things to be doing than looking at that kind of stuff if the software even allows them to.They'll probably be able to see the location if that kind of thing concerns you.
Interesting point about being able to 'switch off' mentally on holidays, days off etc. While very valid I am keen to make a good first impression, get ahead and stay ahead in my new role, especially as when my probation ends I get a pay review which could prove significant.
In the meantime I'll be sure not to have NSFW material on my phone and accept the potential for small interruptions on days off. Lastly call forwarding from my personal phone works even when it is turned off so I still have a consistent telephone number.
In the meantime I'll be sure not to have NSFW material on my phone and accept the potential for small interruptions on days off. Lastly call forwarding from my personal phone works even when it is turned off so I still have a consistent telephone number.
BucksFizz said:
Interesting point about being able to 'switch off' mentally on holidays, days off etc. While very valid I am keen to make a good first impression, get ahead and stay ahead in my new role, especially as when my probation ends I get a pay review which could prove significant.
That's the rub isn't it. Some people want/need to have a break from work, but if a colleague is prepared to sacrifice that separation do you feel inclined to copy it? I ran a company phone for years, no problems at all as the company policy was use it for personal usage but don't take the piss.
Working within IT I knew that I and my senior guys could snoop on your call logs, text messages etc, but as others have said IT have better things to do with their time.
I used to allow my users to port numbers in, and if they left they got them back. Then again I was smart enough to negotiate this at contract signing as not all mobile companies allow it without asking.
Do I still run a company phone only? Not a hope in fk. A few years back my most senior guy made an off the cuff comment that one of the other guys had come out of his "dentist appt" the day before and called his agent. With some other things going on I changed some security permissions and soon established that said senior guy was actually snooping on my calls/texts and others as well.
Working within IT I knew that I and my senior guys could snoop on your call logs, text messages etc, but as others have said IT have better things to do with their time.
I used to allow my users to port numbers in, and if they left they got them back. Then again I was smart enough to negotiate this at contract signing as not all mobile companies allow it without asking.
Do I still run a company phone only? Not a hope in f
k. A few years back my most senior guy made an off the cuff comment that one of the other guys had come out of his "dentist appt" the day before and called his agent. With some other things going on I changed some security permissions and soon established that said senior guy was actually snooping on my calls/texts and others as well.Gassing Station | Jobs & Employment Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff