As far as I know, you can have them on your person, you just can't be using them on the floor. The only reason you should ever pull it out is to check the time, and there are other ways to do that.

Ive been told it’s because of all the germs on it since we are supposed to wash our hands as soon as we step on the floor and that it’s a distraction and prevents opportunities for customer connections. Not sure what the official policy reason is though. We have one of those hanging pocket organizers in the back where each of us has a designated pocket. Most people just keep their phone in their pocket but don’t touch it on the floor.

There is a specific page in the partner handbook that says you can keep it on your person so long as its silent and away at all times — with exceptions pertaining to the job itself, such as checking date/time, or there are a few instances where I have pulled out my Starbucks app to help a customer find something without having to lean over the shield. But it definitely IS labeled. I had to cite the page because there was a short time where our supervisors were trying to insist we keep our phones in a shoe organizer in the BOH... like no I’m not in kindergarten.

How often do you sanitize your cell phone? How often do you touch it? (Rhetorically asking, not YOU personally) But... I think that’s the reason - other people are gross. How many times have you seen people coming out of restrooms on their phones... like........... 😑