PTers, can you please advise me?

[cassiesmom]

I'm putting this in the Dog House because of the language.

Dear ones, I have a question about work. I have a co-worker who is technically in a consultant role and uses her personal cell phone for work- related calls. Her ring tone is the song "Who Are You" by the Who, specifically the line with "Who the f____ are you?" I was shocked when I first heard it and realized what it was. A few other people have heard it and no one has said a word. I like her a lot, I like working with her and I don't want to get her in trouble, but I don't think this is an appropriate ring tone for the work place. What do I do?

Thank you in advance,
elyse

[Karen]

I'd just mention it to her casually, and ask if she knows how to change her ringtone. Explain she might not have noticed that word, but it's a tad jarring for the workplace!

[Pinot's Mom]

We have a policy here that no cell phones can be turned on during work hours, which is a policy I happen to like a great deal. Is there any policy in place regarding having them ring? In our case, if there is an issue, it goes to the HR dep't for them to handle.

[pomtzu]

I also agree that it's inappropriate. She might think it's "cute", but it doesn't belong in the workplace! When I still worked, cell phones were not supposed to be turned on either, but a lot of people would put theirs on vibrate to get around that issue. I don't really see that as a problem, as long as you aren't answering calls or texting on company time. Do your answering during break or lunch.

[lvpets2002]

I would just start a conversation about cell phone ring tones && then mention of oh by the way == then note what you think of her ring song.. Good Luck..

[Freedom]

Depending how large the office / company is, a word to HR should suffice.

[cassiesmom]

We have a policy here that no cell phones can be turned on during work hours, which is a policy I happen to like a great deal. Is there any policy in place regarding having them ring? In our case, if there is an issue, it goes to the HR dep't for them to handle.

There are 10 people who carry work-related cell phones. only one is kind enough to set it on vibrate when she is in the dept. The HR policy doesn't apply because she's not an employee, she's a consultant. Non work-related cell phones are not permitted at all. She is using her personal phone for work calls though.

[Laura's Babies]

That is one word I CAN"T stand and I would have already said something to her about it. Everybody I work with knows I find that word terribly offensive and not to use in in front of me or I WILL speak up!

Company policy is very strict about bad language in the work place too!

[moosmom]

Let me tell you a little story.

Years ago, I was actively looking for a job. I had an interview with the Rabbi of a synagogue. Not thinking, I decided to change my voicemail message. Bad move...

"*splash, splash, rubber duck squeaking in the background*)

"Hi, sorry I can't come to the phone, but I'm in the jacuzzi my masseuse Sven. Leave your name and number and I'll call you back when we're out and dry."

Well, that job opportunity went down the toilet. The Rabbi left a message, "I guess you don't need the job THAT bad." He hung up.

Moral of the story...do NOT record any kind of vulgar, sexually explicit on your answering machine. You never know who you're calling.

[Lady's Human]

There are 10 people who carry work-related cell phones. only one is kind enough to set it on vibrate when she is in the dept. The HR policy doesn't apply because she's not an employee, she's a consultant. Non work-related cell phones are not permitted at all. She is using her personal phone for work calls though.

But the HR policy probably DOES apply.

Any contractors or consultants in a workplace are normally bound by the same rules of behavior as the rest of the employees.

She's on their dime, she needs to play by their rules. Besides, it's the whole professionalism issue.

"You know (insert name here), you must be a really good consultant. After all, we have an HR policy covering phone usage in this office, and your constantly flouting it. "

I wouldn't recommend taking my course with contractors on site breaking safety rules, but that's a different issue.

[RICHARD]

Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?

I woke up in a Soho doorway
A policeman knew my name
He said "You can go sleep at home tonight
If you can get up and walk away"

I staggered back to the underground
And the breeze blew back my hair
I remember throwin' punches around
And preachin' from my chair

chorus:
Well, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)
I really wanna know (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)
Tell me, who are you? (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)
'Cause I really wanna know (Who are you? Who, who, who, who?)

I took the tube back out of town
Back to the Rollin' Pin
I felt a little like a dying clown
With a streak of Rin Tin Tin

I stretched back and I hiccupped
And looked back on my busy day
Eleven hours in the Tin Pan
God, there's got to be another way

Who are you?
Ooh wa ooh wa ooh wa ooh wa ...

Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?
Who are you?
Who, who, who, who?

(chorus)

I know there's a place you walked
Where love falls from the trees
My heart is like a broken cup
I only feel right on my knees

I spit out like a sewer hole
Yet still recieve your kiss
How can I measure up to anyone now
After such a love as this?

(chorus)

---------------


I had never heard the 'eff' word in that song before......


But it is posted on ANOTHER lyrics site!

[cassiesmom]

Thank you, everyone!

Here's what I'm going to do. She's back in the office tomorrow. Last Monday the Who was her new ring tone, so I'd like to wait and see if she has a new one tomorrow or not. If it's still the Who, I'm going to mention it casually to our manager.

[cassiesmom]

Update. She was out of the office (working from home) for two weeks, just returned yesterday, and the Who is gone. I heard her tell the department director that sometime during the two weeks she realized what it said and was surprised that no one had pointed it out to her. It was installed on her phone as a prank. There is a little computer-generated melody on her phone now. I never did say anything. I'm just glad it's gone.