Finding A Balance Between Cell Phone Access To Work Email And On-Call Pay

Long gone are the days where individuals required computer access in order to connect to the internet. Smartphones are everywhere, and the internet of things (IoT) means that common objects such as cars and phones can now easily connect to the internet to send and receive data. Unsurprisingly, it feels like most people have access to text messages and emails 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Although a convenience when dealing with emergencies or staying in touch with family and friends, constant connectivity can create a tricky situation for employers.

We recently discussed how IoT can create privacy concerns because GPS-enabled devices might allow employers to track employee movement both on and off the clock. A recent class action lawsuit filed in California last week reminds us of some of the wage and hour dangers that employers face when employees have access to work-related devices. Whether workers use company-issued devices or use their