Cell phones are an integral part of modern life, but their presence in workplaces draws a grey line, as increasingly more employees are on their cell phones during times they should be focused on work. Many dairies, like businesses in other industries, have strict phone policies stating, ‘No personal use of cell phones during working hours except for emergencies.’ Yet, enforcing these policies can vary widely, as evidenced at Rosy-Lane Holsteins in Wisconsin.
The Reality of Phone Policies
Jordan Matthews, one of the owners of Rosy-Lane Holsteins in Watertown, Wis., acknowledges that his team sometimes struggles with strictly enforcing their phone policy.
“Nearly all of our team members have families, including young children, and I would not want something to happen at home and them miss a call,” Matthews says.
Many of his team members are the primary drivers in their families, with significant others at home taking care of children. Being a new father himself, Matthews deeply understands the importance of being available for family emergencies.
Safety First
At Rosy-Lane Holsteins, a results-oriented coaching method is employed. As Matthews explains, “If team members are hitting goals and perhaps are on their cell phone when time allows, it’s hard to knock them.”
While the farm’s policy is lenient in certain respects, it prioritizes safety above all else. For instance, phone use is strictly prohibited while driving or operating machinery unless it is hands-free.
“We do not allow phones while driving; it needs to be hands-free, whether in a skid loader, truck, or tractor, for safety,” he shares.
Many team members wear an ear pod in one ear to talk on the phone or listen to music while working. Having an ear pod in one ear is permitted, but not in both ears to ensure safety measures are maintained.
Robert Hagevoort, professor and extension dairy specialist for New Mexico State University, concurs with this approach, emphasizing that the golden rule has always been no phone use when on the move.
“I do know that several of the large farms in our area have cracked down on the use of earbuds for safety reasons, because you can’t hear the cows, equipment, and traffic,” he notes.
Trust and Responsibility
Rosy-Lane Holsteins demonstrates that a balanced phone policy isn’t about strict enforcement but fostering a culture of trust and understanding. By prioritizing safety and recognizing the personal needs of employees, businesses can allow flexibility without compromising productivity and safety. Hagevoort agrees, adding that engaged employees tend to leave their phones in their back pockets.
“It’s all about culture,” he says.
By nurturing a culture of trust and responsibility, workplaces like Rosy-Lane Holsteins set an example of how to balance the inevitable presence of mobile technology with the timeless values of safety and productivity.
