The distracted workforce

Have you ever tried to have a conversation with a teenager who's holding a cell phone in her or his hand and is sending text messages?  That's the level of focus the younger workforce will have as they enter the job market.  What's a manager to do about non-work distractions in the workplace?

Social media is a great tool for marketers.  But, when everyone's carrying a smart phone, what are the rules on employees checking email, Facebook updates let alone gaming, video chatting (which is a new feature on the new iPhone and some of Sprint's 4G hardware)?  How does one reign in these time-wasting, non-work activities?

I'm waiting for the day to come (I hope not too soon), when I'll approach a clerk in a department store to get assistance or ring up a purchase and to find them planting corn or tending their hogs on Farmville.  I know that I'll probably come unglued and cancel any thoughts about making a purchase from that establishment.

If there are any retailers out there who come across this blog, I'd like to hear your comments about what steps you've taken, or plan to take, to address this issue.  It's time to put some rules in place.

Well, I have to go.  It seems that my iPet needs to be walked...