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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if you think this rule is ridiculous?

36 replies

Ctrlaltdelete2 · 10/11/2025 13:55

New work rule- we are not allowed to walk and talk on the phone. We were never allowed to walk and text, which I understand. But now we cannot answer a phonecall whilst walking. We have to stop, stand to the side and take the call and remain there until the call is finished. I understand it’s for safety but it’s annoying tbh. So AIBU?

OP posts:
Dacatspjs · 10/11/2025 14:07

This sounds like something BP would do.

Original poster
Ctrlaltdelete2 · 10/11/2025 14:07

Pancakeflipper · 10/11/2025 14:04

Are people walking through offices or in corridors next to offices where people are working and disturbing them?

A friend of mine was only saying the other day about a team of workers who constantly walk up and the corridor to the kitchen/loo/see another team etc... on their phones talking loudly. They said it feels like it never stops.

No never, it’s purely for safety reasons. And it’s not to stop people being on the phone it’s just to stop them walking. So if I get a phonecall and I’m walking past a desk of a colleague and I want to answer it I could choose to stop there by their desk. Which I wouldn’t do…but I could.

OP posts:
HansHolbein · 10/11/2025 14:07

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 10/11/2025 13:57

Let's all play Guess the Job. I'll go first - Professional Tightrope Walker.

Edited

Need laugh reaction back

ComtesseDeSpair · 10/11/2025 14:06

In industries where health and safety when out in the field is paramount (oil and gas, marine, manufacturing etc) it’s not uncommon for companies to insist that the same behaviours are practiced in the office as at field - because there will often be a need for office-based staff to visit sites, and it instils good habits and an awareness of safety in advance. Yes, it can feel a bit silly initially, but it soon becomes habit.

Pancakeflipper · 10/11/2025 14:04

Are people walking through offices or in corridors next to offices where people are working and disturbing them?

A friend of mine was only saying the other day about a team of workers who constantly walk up and the corridor to the kitchen/loo/see another team etc... on their phones talking loudly. They said it feels like it never stops.

Original poster
Ctrlaltdelete2 · 10/11/2025 14:03

I’m office based but attached to a manufacturing company

OP posts:
Swiftie1878 · 10/11/2025 14:02

Need to know the job.

StandbyLight · 10/11/2025 14:02

This is entirely environment depending.

If you work in a factory with heavy plant moving and elements you could be dragged into, then clearly you need to move about only with full concentration and purpose.

If you work in a health care setting like a hospital and are taking calls about patients then wandering through main reception while asking and giving personal and confidential details, then clearly this erodes data safety.

If you work as a land manager on a National Trust estate or as a dog walker, then walking and talking should be allowed.

parietal · 10/11/2025 13:57

Depends where you work. Seems excessive for an office but ok for a hospital or factory

didntlikeanyofthesuggestions · 10/11/2025 13:57

Let's all play Guess the Job. I'll go first - Professional Tightrope Walker.

Everanewbie · 10/11/2025 13:57

What is the job?

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