Professional Phone Use Case Alignment: Communication is Key
As the largest domestic placement agency in California, we’ve learned about setting proper expectations around phone usage with a caregiver. Most of the families we work with want to be able to communicate easily and effectively with their in-home employees, including through emailing, texting and good old fashioned phone calls. And just like so many of us these days, our candidates are using their smart phones for emailing, texting and phone calls. No doubt about it, smart phones are fun and super useful, and every day they’re becoming a more important as work tools. That said, there is a big difference between unprofessional and professional phone use by a caregiver – so let’s dive into the specifics.
How to Set Proper Expectations Around Phone Usage
Talk to your employer about their rules and expectations around unprofessional and professional phone use. Start your job off right by having a conversation about how the two of you will try to communicate day to day, what is appropriate when the children are sleeping, and the frequency of update’s they’d like to receive. In doing so, remember that open, honest & direct communication is key to building trust and a positive working relationship!
To ensure you’re aligned, touch on the specifics of unprofessional vs. professional phone usage. Here are a few scenarios to align on:
Professional Phone Use Case:
- Mid-day updates for mom & dad.
- Using the alarm and timer features.
- Photographing cute events throughout the day that may be of interest to the parents.
- Communicating with parents throughout the day addressing any concerns or requests they might have.
- Making shopping lists requested by employers.
- Recording important notes given from employers.
- Using the calculator for superior math tutoring.
- Surfing the web for fun craft and activity ideas.
Unprofessional Phone Use Case:
- Personal calls and text messages.
- Asking for a raise. Discussions about compensation are completely appropriate, but they should always be done in person.
- Canceling with your employer at the last minute via text message. Cancelling should only be done as an absolute last resort, and if you have to do it, please call instead.
- Asking for vacation time via text message. Again, conversations like this should be in person, with any confirmation on dates or other arrangements made by email.
- Scrolling through and posting on various social media sites.
- Playing games on your phone.
- Any cell phone use that distracts your attention away from your job, especially any use that distracts your attention away from the kids you are caring for.
Once you align on these topics, you’ll be one step closer to aligning on the definition of professional phone use on the job.