Rude or inappropriate to ask about phone/blackberry

[Anonymous]

I am starting a new job in a couple of weeks, and I'm wondering if it is appropriate for me to ask my new supervisor if I will be provided with a work phone. I know her professionally which is how I got this new job, and she's been great about encouraging me to ask her questions but I don't want to come off as rude. I'm fine either way, they given that is a management position I assume they will want me to be accessible by phone (my current job certainly demands that I be accessible so that is what I'm used to). Alternatively, I could ask the HR rep I've been assigned to.

I also would like to know if they are going to reimburse me for a personal phone (my husband has worked for two big companies and they prefer this arrangement) or provide me with one. Should I wait until my start date or ask in advance? Thanks for any advice.

[Anonymous]

why not just wait and see naturally when you start?

[Anonymous]

Just wait and see what they tell you. Don't ask.

[Anonymous]

If you already know her, I don't think it's crazy to say:
"I would normally wait until my start to ask this, but since you've encouraged questions, I was wondering what the company policy is on smartphones and whether they provide any equipment or reimbursement. No big deal, just wondering…."

Or just wait. I don't think it's a crazy question though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you already know her, I don't think it's crazy to say:
"I would normally wait until my start to ask this, but since you've encouraged questions, I was wondering what the company policy is on smartphones and whether they provide any equipment or reimbursement. No big deal, just wondering…."

Or just wait. I don't think it's a crazy question though.

but it is a little crazy to not just wait.

[Anonymous]

Whether it's weird for you to want to know before starting kind of depends on whether you're moving for the job and have to set up new accounts for every thing anyway. Sounds like you were local, so you probably aren't in the process of establishing a new family phone plan or anything else for that matter.

But since you've been assigned an HR rep, you can ask the HR person if they have a fact sheet on company perks easily available. If not, then don't press and ask your specific questions once you're on board.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Whether it's weird for you to want to know before starting kind of depends on whether you're moving for the job and have to set up new accounts for every thing anyway. Sounds like you were local, so you probably aren't in the process of establishing a new family phone plan or anything else for that matter.

But since you've been assigned an HR rep, you can ask the HR person if they have a fact sheet on company perks easily available. If not, then don't press and ask your specific questions once you're on board.

Actually, this is it. I'm still local but will need to change phone plans. Trying to decide if I will get a situation like my husband's and buy my own phone and get reimbursed or if they will provide me with a phone. I would like to know sooner rather than later.

I will just ask the HR rep and not press it if it's a problem to get an answer.

[Anonymous]

Just hope it's not a bb. That are like roaches- tough to kill off. I hope they die already.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just hope it's not a bb. That are like roaches- tough to kill off. I hope they die already.

For a stand-alone work device, I actually love my bb. Best device in my opinion to actually type emails on.

[Anonymous]

I think it's fine to ask. Just say, "I've been assuming that the company will want me to be accessible by phone. I know some companies provide work phones, while others reimburse the employee for the cost of a phone and plan. What is Company X's policy?" It's a totally reasonable request.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it's fine to ask. Just say, "I've been assuming that the company will want me to be accessible by phone. I know some companies provide work phones, while others reimburse the employee for the cost of a phone and plan. What is Company X's policy?" It's a totally reasonable request.

Of course it is fine but it is annoying/obnoxious. That is the point.