What can we do to curb employees from taking long rest breaks to be on their cell phones?

Employers can address extended rest breaks due to cell phone use through clear policies and progressive discipline.

Extended breaks are a policy enforcement issue. Employers may discipline employees who fail to return promptly from scheduled rest breaks.

Discipline typically follows a progressive process, beginning with an oral warning, then a written warning, and up to termination if the behavior continues or is severe.

Employees do not have an absolute right to use cell phones at the workplace. Employers may restrict or prohibit cell phone use in many contexts out of legitimate concerns for