3M Case Study Mobile Phones

14 April 2012

Since introducing a ban on the use of mobile phones whilst driving, Driving for Better Business Champion 3M has monitored employees’ attitudes on an annual basis.

A survey conducted three months after the ban was introduced indicated a swing in employees’ attitude. When the ban was first introduced, 56 per cent of staff did not welcome it. Just three months later, less than half (41 per cent) said they did not like it. By June 2011 negative sentiment stood at 35 per cent.

The most recent survey (which was anonymous) showed 49 per cent of employees complying with the policy fully; 46 per cent 'most of the time' and 5 per cent ignoring it. The results showed real signs that the safety message was getting through. When asked their reasons for complying with the new rules, 6 per cent said it was because they thought using a mobile phone while driving was a dangerous distraction and could lead to an accident.

The survey also indicated that the ban had tracked through to 3M employees’ personal lives. 43 per cent said that they already avoided using their personal phone while driving – but since the work ban a further 48 per cent had either stopped or reduced the practice.

The company has a fleet of some 800 company cars used by a team of 400 sales people plus managers who receive a car as part of their remuneration package.