The advent of smartphones revolutionised the world. It allowed people to access the Internet without computers and promoted social media's growth, changing how we communicate.

It's also made a lot of things easier. For example, you can buy your groceries with a button. You can move around your house when having a video call with friends. You can even play video games or read books with them.

However, there are a lot of opinions on whether smartphones are good or bad for the workplace. Are the tools they offer to boost productivity enough to combat distractions?

Smartphones are so engaging they can take up all your time

It doesn't take a scientist to know there are many people use their smartphones a lot. There have been many studies addressing this, with inconclusive results. But it all points out that they are used in a lot of different, necessary ways, which often results in a lot of time.

These use cases are varied. For instance, a person could frequent NetBet Casino or read the news. At the same time, they can also fulfill online banking needs or place a grocery order.

Issues in the workplace

Those activities are also carried out during work time hours, reducing productivity. Some claim this also translates to a lack of socialising in the office, reducing workplace communication.

There's another culprit for some. Besides the distracting nature of phones, some claim people have become more self-centred and less interested in workplace issues and tasks.

On the other hand, smartphones allow people to work anywhere. This means work hours are more flexible than ever, and many bring their work home, creating distress in their lives and their loved ones.

Smartphones also have advantages at work

There are as many voices against using smartphones at work as in favour of them. According to Google, smartphones are now indispensable for work. They conducted research where they found that 75% of people claim smartphones increased their productivity.

Some of the reasons for this might be the lack of waiting time. For example, if you need an asset for a work project, you search for it with your phone browser. You don't need to travel or require anyone's help.

Other studies claim benefits for contacting other parties on their smartphones. For example, it allows for more efficient communication. In case there's an unplanned event or issue, the receiver is more likely to get the information than with the landline.

Good or bad, smartphones are here to stay

There has yet to be a consensus on phone usage at the workplace. Aside from the personal issues their overuse might carry, there are both advantages and disadvantages when using the phone at work for both the employer and employees.

This is why companies today adopt different policies regarding phone usage. Some ban them altogether, others offer "mini breaks" where you can check your phone regularly throughout the day, and others have no restrictions.

Ultimately, it's up to you to choose a workplace that shares your values and be mindful about using your phone responsibly.