Pokémon Go has taken the United States and the rest of
the world by storm, with an estimated 75 million downloads in the
first three weeks since its release.1 For the
uninitiated, Pokémon Go is an augmented reality game where
users try to capture, train, and battle digitally animated
creatures (Pokémon) on their mobile devices. Because users
of the game often look at their phones, iPads, or other mobile
devices while moving, there have been well-publicized incidents of
injury and death, as well as complaints of trespassing.2
One of the less-discussed impacts of the game, however, is the
effect on the workplace and how employers can respond.
Policies Limiting Play At Work
In response to one Forbes survey, 32% of respondents indicated
they played Pokémon Go for more than one hour at work per
day.3 When employees dedicate such a large amount of
time to a game, productivity is impacted. Employers seeking to
maintain productivity need to review – and
