Smartphones improve productivity but not manners
Handheld devices may make workers more productive but they haven't made their offices any more pleasant, a recent Robert Half Technology survey suggests.
Asked how the growing use of mobile gadgets such as smartphones and other electronic devices is affecting workplace etiquette, 42% of Canadian CIOs said the number of breaches has definitely increased. Only 6% felt they had fallen.
To some, the use of BlackBerrys and iPhones in meetings is anathema. So much so that nearly 20% of workers claim they've been reprimanded by their employers or fellow workers for showing bad manners with their wireless device, reports Hotjobs.
Despite resistance, the etiquette debate seems to be tilting in the favour of smartphone use, prompting Robert Half's Megan Slabinski to identify the worst types of tech-etiquette offenders.
Check and see if they remind you of anybody you know.
The Misguided Multitasker. This person thinks that e-mailing or texting during a meeting or conversation demonstrates efficiency. But others may regard it as a sign he prizes his BlackBerry more than the company he keeps, Slabinski suggests. Unless you want to create potential animosity at work, use your handheld device only in an urgent situation and step out of the room to reply.
The E-mail Addict. Ah, the e-mail tagger. She relies on a constant stream of e-mails, instant messages or texts to communicate all of her needs, often thinking it will save time. But excessive messaging, particularly regarding trivial things, can be inefficient and disruptive. Often a phone call or in-person discussion can resolve issues more quickly.
The Broadcaster. This person has no shame when it comes to using his cell phone anytime, anywhere - including open office halls and the public restroom. When using your cell phone in common areas, it's not only disrespectful but also potentially off-putting to others, says Slabinski. Keep private conversations limited to private places.
The Cyborg. Watch for the blinking glow of a Bluetooth headset or iPod earbud nestled in her ear. Keeping a wireless earpiece or headphones constantly plugged in signals to others who may need to speak to you that your attention isn't readily available, Slabinski points out. Show that you're accessible to your colleagues by using earpieces in the office with discretion.
The Distractor. This person may have good intentions in setting his phone to vibrate rather than torturing colleagues with a cheesy ringtone, but hearing it repeatedly buzzing loudly on a desktop or during a meeting can be just as distracting. A better solution, Slabinski says: Set your phone to silent or keep it in your pocket.
How are things where you work? How involved should employers be when it comes to regulating smartphones?By Gordon Powers, MSN Money
Posted by: Carmen Tourney | Mar 2, 2022 9:19:25 PM
I've used my cellphone in the public restroom ! (and often on public transportation). I just think that's what they are made for. Use everywhere. Considering I've actually called someone from the toilet though maybe I just might be wrong. LOL.
On the other hand, I see nothing wrong with vibrate over silent. Silent means you miss the call altogether. That's nuts. That's totally against what they are made for.
PS. Since I am a shameless broadcaster, check out my new blog at http://catstuff-carment.blogspot.com/ and if you like it become a official follower through blogspot so I know. If enough people do it will make me feel like a minor celebrity. LOL.
Posted by: titaniablue | Mar 10, 2022 11:18:07 AM
I was out with friends for dinner and we were all having a great time talking, but my son decided to use his phone to read the newspaper instead. I thought it was rude since he can read the paper later and he was ignoring everyone. He is showing and saying that we were not important enough for his time. I told him he was being rude and to stop playing with his phone, but he continued to read his article. Life is interacting with real people in real time, not out there in cyber space.
Also last year I attended night college and during the break, some people left the room but the ones that stayed got out their phones and were either playing on it or texting, even the teacher. I thought how sad the world has gotten that we don't even have social graces anymore. Everyone is so caught up in their narrow little view of the world and fail to see the big picture. Gone are the days when we actually talked to the next person and found out alittle information about them. It is nice to make real friends in the real world instead of cyber friends that are gone in a instant.