Proper Cell Phone Etiquette

Cell phones can be distracting and in an era of shaky job stability, too many calls can be seen as unproductive. Whether you're talking or texting, your boss doesn't want to see or hear it. If the rules of using cell phones at work were vague in the past, consider these as the cell phone commandments.

Vibrate

You should always have your cell phone on vibrate. Your boss can't possibly be distracted by something he/she can't hear. Turn it on vibrate and only accept calls that are of immediate importance. Definitely do not attempt to catch up with an old friend while you're at work. Most calls are not appropriate for any work place and at the risk of seeming old fashioned, we all know that our personal business belongs at home.

Meetings

You should never bring your phone to a meeting. Even if your phone is on vibrate, you will be tempted to look at it if someone calls. This is rude.You're telling your boss that your mind is elsewhere. We don't want to give our bosses or the meeting participants the wrong impression.

Texting

British researchers revealed that half of office workers spent more time texting and emailing friends in 2006 than they did working. If our bosses find out, we're in big trouble.

Texting is an easy way to stay in touch, but if you're using it like Instant Messenger while you're at work, it's going to strike a few nerves. The conventional rules still apply here. Just because we have more technology doesn't mean we should cast our work aside and catch up with old buddies. Texting should not be done at work.

Texting to call in sick is somewhat of a new trend, but an altogether bad idea. One gentleman actually texted his boss to explain he would not be in because he was sick. The fellow was then fired for no call/no show. He took the company that fired him to court and actually won because there was no policy against texting in sick. Whatever happened to the respect given to an employer in giving them a phone call? Let them hear your raspy voice and runny nose. Jobade.com gives reasons texting in sick should not be used:

Texting is too passive a form of communication. Are you scared of your boss? Scared to call in sick? Texting in sick makes you look like a scaredy cat. It also shows a lack of respect.

Curt messages can be interpreted incorrectly. That's fine when you're joking with your peers, but it's too big of a gamble to take with a boss.

The risk of your message not being received is greater than other means of communication. Network problems, a dead battery, or quiet ringtone are all hindrances that can potentially derail your message, resulting in a headache for all parties.

Restroom

This happens far too often. I'm minding my own business, trying to take care of business when someone walks in and starts talking. Are they talking to me? Do I reply?

What about the poor person on the other end of their conversation? Do they really need to know what you're doing at every moment? If you managed to avoid the sounds of a tinkle, they'll surely catch on by the loud whoosh of the toilet flushing. Don't bring your phone to the restroom. Some things are just better left to the imagination.

Using your cell phone correctly at work is important. Keeping issues to a minimum is imperative at any job. You don't want to seem preoccupied with anything other than work nor do you want to draw negative attention to yourself. These problems seem to arise more often than not.

I want to know what you think. Do you work with people who are constantly texting? Do they get caught or sail by day-to-day? How much cell phone use do you think is appropriate in the office?