subject: Mobile Phone Etiquette: 7 Tips To Using Phone In The Workplace [print this page] Our workplaces have always upheld rules when it comes to being neat and clean, being on time and what not, this is to maintain a decent looking workplace while maintaining the professionalism. But now, we tend to see people in the workplace using phones and distracting people, isn't that just annoying? Now here are some mobile phone etiquette that you can implement or practice in the workplace.
These days that mobile phones are very common even in the workplace, a few people respect the office workplace standard for mobile phones. On the other hand, there are few offices who already have a mobile phone policy but still only a few comply to it. Thus mobile phones at work become an unprofessional habit for some.
Here are some guidelines for you and for your office to consider regarding mobile phones at work:
1. Text messages. It's rude that you constantly look and text on your phone and reply to messages instead of listening to a person, or when you are in a group conference or meeting. Is is quite an insult and disrespectful. It's just like saying that "this is boring, texting is way better than listening to you", now you don't want people making false impressions on you as the office jerk. Be careful when taking your phone out in the office.
2. Calls. Now if you did not divert your phones while in the office and somebody calls you, let the call be brief and let the person know if: - you are busy and can't give them much attention right now. - the office is busy and noisy so it's inappropriate to talk since you don't want to disturb your office mates. - you are in a meeting, and you just got out to receive the call so you have to go back ASAP. - you are in the office and you'll call them later.
3. If you are however expecting a call in a certain hour or so, and you have to take that call then alert your companions ahead. So that when the call arrives, you can excuse yourself and then tell the other person in line to make the call as brief as possible.
4. Turn down the volume of your phone. Put your phone on silent or vibrate mode in the office. It's rather annoying to hear a mobile phone ringtone in the middle of office hours.
5. Tone down your voice; modulate your voice when answering. Your phone is not a megaphone and unless the reception is not good, then the other person on the line can hear you pretty well.
6. When you need to talk about business or personal issues make sure that you be discreet. You don't want people to make wrong stuff about you.
7. Don't text during office hours, unless it's really needed. Some people may see that as slacking off during work so don't give them that kind of opening. When you text, do it in break time or in lunch hours not in office time.
If you don't have a phone protocol or guidelines in the office, it's time that you get to develop one. Be professional, practice respect in the workplace. It's good and healthy, mobile phones can be a great distraction from you and your colleagues to focus on their work. Make your workplace a good place, and effective place to work in.
