No headphones

Ciderboy1957 · Post by **Ciderboy1957** » 11 Sep 2019, 18:36

Is " policy " that whilst on foot delivering mail that we are NOT permitted to use headphones etc .
In case customer needs to speak to us and we don't hear or as was informed ignored the " customer "
Never heard that one before?
Any thoughts ?

Postie45 · Post by **Postie45** » 11 Sep 2019, 19:16

i believe this is the case, however its not the kind of thing that is going to ever be monitored unless you draw attention to it and the managers are total psychos.

Marshamp11 · Post by **Marshamp11** » 11 Sep 2019, 19:38

Ciderboy1957 wrote:Is " policy " that whilst on foot delivering mail that we are NOT permitted to use headphones etc .
In case customer needs to speak to us and we don't hear or as was informed ignored the " customer "
Never heard that one before?
Any thoughts ?

I dont need headphones on to ignore a customer particularly if they whistle me or shout out Oi.

glass joe · Post by **glass joe** » 11 Sep 2019, 19:40

I listen to podcasts and wear trainers on the delivery. It highly unlikely anything bad will come off it.

joewyan · Post by **joewyan** » 11 Sep 2019, 20:21

Ciderboy1957 wrote:Is " policy " that whilst on foot delivering mail that we are NOT permitted to use headphones etc .
In case customer needs to speak to us and we don't hear or as was informed ignored the " customer "
Never heard that one before?
Any thoughts ?

It was mentioned in my induction 8.5 years ago, not because of ignoring customers but as a matter of safety and security in case someone was to come up behind you for example.

estelle · Post by **estelle** » 11 Sep 2019, 20:35

The only challenge I would make to the health and safety issue of "someone coming up behind you" is, what about colleagues who have been deaf since birth or have reduced hearing?

Not saying headphones on delivery is good or bad, but, customers can be all to quick to assume that is what we all do and don't stop to consider the possibility we aren't ignoring them, but rather we genuinely can't actually hear them shout (or our P&L partner can and often has to take the brunt of the annoyance - which leads to beautiful interactions when asked "is he #ucking dead or something?" and stopping them in their tracks with a deadpan factual "yes")

PostmanBitesDog · Post by **PostmanBitesDog** » 11 Sep 2019, 20:51

With regards to earbuds and not the large size headphones, when I first started I was told by my fellow posties that we can wear one earbud in an ear to listen to whatever we like but leave the other ear free from wearing any such device. This was accepted by management. Of course, this wasn't an official policy; more an "unofficial job perk."

But that's what the fellow posties told me. I never did ask the managers to confirm this.

scoobydo79 · Post by **scoobydo79** » 11 Sep 2019, 21:14

Should be banned during work time.They make people antisocial.

meercat · Post by **meercat** » 11 Sep 2019, 23:12

Walking round for 4 hrs everyday in silence talking to nobody is not good for your mental health. Wear headphones if you want or need them to avoid boredom and getting depressed.

Decky Boy · Post by **Decky Boy** » 12 Sep 2019, 02:51

meercat wrote:Walking round for 4 hrs everyday in silence talking to nobody is not good for your mental health. Wear headphones if you want or need them to avoid boredom and getting depressed.

Don't you say "Good Morning" or "Hello" to people you meet and the customers you are delivering parcels to ? One of the joys of the job is the interaction and banter with the customers ? In my experience nearly everyone says hello or acknowledges the postie.

Wearing headphones whilst out on delivery is both ignorant and rude. It is a health and safety issue and a breach of rules.

LouBarlow · Post by **LouBarlow** » 12 Sep 2019, 05:16

Decky Boy wrote:
meercat wrote:Walking round for 4 hrs everyday in silence talking to nobody is not good for your mental health. Wear headphones if you want or need them to avoid boredom and getting depressed.
Don't you say "Good Morning" or "Hello" to people you meet and the customers you are delivering parcels to ? One of the joys of the job is the interaction and banter with the customers ? In my experience nearly everyone says hello or acknowledges the postie.

Wearing headphones whilst out on delivery is both ignorant and rude. It is a health and safety issue and a breach of rules.

I wear AirPods. All you do is double tap to pause and then you can converse with anyone you want.

Seymour Buts · Post by **Seymour Buts** » 13 Sep 2019, 19:28

I do wear them but usually listen to talk radio (ashes currently) or podcasts when out on delivery as then you're still aware of what's around you. I've worked with those who have music blasting who are completely unaware of their surroundings and it's dangerious.

Celgar · Post by **Celgar** » 13 Sep 2019, 19:33

Headphones are alright until you get mown down by a cyclist or car or a dog comes up behind you and bites you. I think you need all your senses available.

Gangham_style14 · Post by **Gangham_style14** » 14 Sep 2019, 11:48

I wear one ear pod. My other ear is for the customer. Wouldn’t wear two as you lose senses around you. I couldn’t do the job without listening to something. Podcasts are a life saver!