Catch ’em all! Pokémon Go is a mobile game that uses “augmented” reality to create a virtual scavenger hunt. In the quest to catch ’em all, over 15 million people have downloaded the Pokémon Go game since its recent release. Employers have grappled with employees’ personal use of electronic devices during work hours since gaming fads such as Candy Crush and Draw Something were released. However, beyond creating a simple distraction in the workplace, the explosion of Pokémon Go subjects employers to potentially costly risks, including worker safety issues, lost productivity, data breach possibilities, and misuse of company resources.
Our Toronto office colleague, Mark Mendl, recently authored an article that examines the various employment issues and considerations implicated with Pokémon Go. The article may be accessed here.