Watches that display texts etc - do you allow staff to wear them?

[hopeytg]

I'm not sure if I am being a really grumpy manager but I would be interested to see if anyone has banned staff wearing watches that display texts etc.  I am finding that staff are regularly looking at their watches and then having a bit of a chat about a text or Facebook comment they have seen. I have a policy regarding phones, that they are kept in a locked cupboard and should only be accessed when they are on a break and they have to give the setting mobile number for emergency contact so wonder if this should include watches.  I know I would have a backlash as they also record their 'steps' and do wonder if I am just being over sensitive - would really appreciate other's thoughts.

[louby loo]

Not an expert on this watches- but can they turn those function off, just leaving time and step counter?  If they are so worried about steps could you buy them all a cheap step counter. .... I'm sure you must be able to link them up to add the steps to the main device at the end of day?

I would not be happy with checking texts etc whilst on the floor.

Edited May 15, 2020 by Steve
edited to add the word hopeytg left out. :)

[hopeytg]

Thanks louby lou - I didn't know they had that function 

[louby loo]

 

I would NOT  be  happy with checking texts etc whilst on the floor.  

[lynned55]

They can turn them off- I have one and it drove me nuts eep notifying me whenever I got something- so turned the whole lot of and now just count my steps.

Can I just say my daughter is an HR advisor for a large department store chain. When smart watches were  first bought out, she said they had to bring in a policy around staff not wearing them as a few can take photos. Just in case anyone was trying to clone cards- I think. 

But I would definitely not allow them.