New manager keeps disturbing me with irrelevant things every time I’m on my phone :/

[Ghostpost]

I was employed before her, and have been here a couple of months. We’re in a research type environement and everything is really laid back with phones, work hours, days off etc. Everyone knows work gets done, deadlines are met so everyone is happy that the place is so flexible around family life.

She’s been here 3 days and has mentioned twice if I have enough work to keep me busy (😒).. I’m an adult and I know what I need to do. And although it would be really easy to take the piss here, I have been working incredibly hard to make a difference to our department.

I’ve noticed today she keeps coming and disturbing me every time I’m on my phone reading twitter or whatever. She’s making me feel like a school child not being allowed on my phone. She’s looked over at me a few times already whilst I’m typing this.

If I wasn’t working she would have a point to make, but I refuse to be micromanaged like this, as I’m not a child. It’s making me uncomfortable.

Don't read your phone on work time is probably the best solution to this.

Is this serious?

Ok.

If you weren't working she'd have a point?? Eh, you're not working, you are mumsneting!
Maybe as she is the new manager she wants to make some changes to the amount of leeway given to staff.

Wind up surely?

Surely there's a difference between being "flexible around family life" and going on twitter?

While I can imagine that she is extremely annoying, surely you shouldn't be on your phone during working hours? Just stick to your breaks and lunch hours and all will be well?

Personally, if I saw you on your mobile, I would presume you were not busy!!

Shes quite right. You're at work. Unless you're the company's social media person you shouldn't be on Twitter etc during working time

Sounds like previous management allowed you too much leeway.

I cant honestly see how you feel hard done by

Mmm! Having been a manager with staff who thought they were entitled to tweet etc during work hours, I have zero sympathy with you.

Every minute you are on your phone is a minute you are not going what you are paid for... that you work somewhere that has a workshy culture is no excuse. Chances are she was hired as she said she had an idea how she would combat such behaviour - you're the person she has chosen to start with. Ask yourself why?

You sound like my 17 to when he's supposed to be doing his homework. At least he isn't being paid....

OP, for some reason these threads tend to bring out the most ridiculous pro-employer responses I've ever seen.

It's been normal in every office job I've had that when it was quite, people would quietly check their phones or personal emails or whatever. YANBU to feel discomforted by this.

but I refuse to be micromanaged like this, as I’m not a child. It’s making me uncomfortable.

then you can look for another job. I am not even being sarcastic, but if you don't like her management style, she doesn't have to change it.

It sounds like you are spending far too much time doing your own things. You know you are at work right?

First you have to seem to treat people in the same way, so you can't allow piss-take. When someone is an adult, I personally ignore them as much as I can and let them get on with it.
When someone is not pulling their weight, clock watch and take the mickey, I go by the book.

I am only on MN when I am in the office or commuting, and I am not hypocritical

I'm a CLEANER on minimum wage. No phones allowed during working hours except in an emergency. I bet my arse you are paid more than me OP. Get off your phone!

So go and skive in the toilets

I think you should go to HR. Definitely. And please, please update us after.

Are you 13?

She may have told to changed the relaxed attitude.
You don't have any idea what it is like to feel micromanage judging by your description.
You should probably put the phone down and pull your socks up, with an attitude like yours you might find it hard to get another job.

OP, for some reason these threads tend to bring out the most ridiculous pro-employer responses I've ever seen.

It's been normal in every office job I've had that when it was quite, people would quietly check their phones or personal emails or whatever. YANBU to feel discomforted by this.

Thanks!

Do you mean that you're on Twitter at work? Have I missed something?

Just to add, everyone else in other departments are the same. Can use phones and listen to music on earphones etc.

these threads tend to bring out the most ridiculous pro-employer responses I've ever seen.

Anyone using the term pro-employer and seeing the work place as a "them vs us" is a shit employee in my experience.

Are you posting this from your phone, at work, perchance?

Your lucky you are allowed your phone with you at work at all, we only go on it at lunch. I think your manager has a point that if you are seen on your phone you are not busy.

How often are you 'on your phone reading Twitter or whatever'? Tbh it sounds like you should be spending less time pissing about on your phone and more time doing the work you're paid for. It doesn't matter if 'the work gets done', you're being paid to work the full day not just enough to get things done and the rest you can do what you like.