iPod Policies

How should we handle a situation where an employee is overusing his/her iPod at work?
– HR Manager, Information Technology Firm

The first issue you need to address – are iPods allowed at all to be used by anyone in the workplace? If the answer is yes, then you need to be sure you universally address what is considered proper usage. With this employee in particular, you need to establish what they are doing that is concerning. Issues tend to range from the sound being too loud and therefore audible to others or the employee, who by virtue of having their iPod on, is out of touch with what is going on around them in the office. Whatever you decide to say, be sure to document it and then be consistent in your practices with others.