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Pokémon Go & Health and Safety in your business.

It's hard to avoid the Pokémon Go phenomenon that's sweeping the world. People are venturing outside, trying to capture Charmanders, Venusaurs, and any Pokémon they can find!

And it's not just the younger generation playing it. Pokémon was created in 1995 – so many of the original fans (aged 30+) are playing it too!

Because of this, it's highly likely that somebody in your workplace is a Trainer (a person who plays Pokémon Go).  While we don't discourage using a game that encourages getting outside and exercising, Trainers are focussed on their smart device while they seek their next capture – so here are a few things we think you should consider for your workplace.

  1. Reinforce your “cellphone use in the workplace” policy with your employees.
    If they are allowed to use their cellphone in work time, have a “No Pokémon Go” policy. Distracted employees can be dangerous employees - especially in workplaces like factories.
     
  2. Driving + Pokémon Go is a no-no!
    Employees shouldn't be using cellphones while driving – unless using a handsfree option to talk. So, as an employer, you shouldn't have to remind them that Pokémon Go isn't something they should participate in while driving, but remind them anyways! Especially in work vehicles and/or in work time.
     
  3. “But it's my lunchbreak!”
    If employees wish to play Pokémon Go in their lunch break, encourage this to be done out of the workplace.
     
  4. It's not just your employees to consider…
    As the business owner/manager, consider downloading Pokémon Go yourself – but only to see if there are any PokéStops or Gyms near your business. Both of these are attractions in Pokémon Go that will attract a lot of foot traffic to the area. And these Trainers will want to capture any Pokémon that are hiding nearby.

    What if this is on your business property? If a Trainer enters your property, they become your responsibility. If they slip and fall while catching a wild Pikachu in your driveway – they are your health and safety responsibility. Something to think about!

    If you don't already have one, it could be beneficial to put up a “No Unauthorised Access” or “All Visitors Report to Reception” sign to discourage overenthusiastic Trainers from entering your property.  It's probably only a matter of time before signmakers are producing “Pokémon Go is prohibited on this property” signs or similar.

Pokémon Go is unlikely to disappear any time soon, so instead discuss its safe use within your business with your employees.

This is no way meant to discourage the use of Pokémon Go – just in conjunction with the workplace. Getting people outdoors and walking is encouraged!

Written by Rachel Bell, with assistance from Wendy Schollum, Xplore.