Cell Phone Etiquette at Work

The use of mobile devices in the workplace is more popular than ever before. One in three people use their mobile devices for work calls, and another 82 percent use text messaging for business. This surge in workplace device usage makes it necessary to employ proper mobile phone etiquette at work. Employees can use apps to improve digital collaboration around the office, but should also maintain common courtesies while in the workplace.

Here are a couple of tips to keep in mind to exercise proper mobile phone etiquette at work:

DO turn your ringer to vibrate or silent. Remember that you share a space with others, so keep your ringer off when bringing your mobile phone into meetings. Doing so will help keep calls or notifications from being disruptive. If you must keep your ringer on, select a discreet, professional ringtone and keep it on the quietest setting possible.

DO remember to include an email signature on messages that come from your business phone or tablet. This is often overlooked and emails from mobile devices only have your name and the type of device the message was sent from. It’s important to include your work contact information so people can easily respond to you.

DON’T take personal calls at your desk if you share close space with co-workers. This can be distracting to those sitting near you and can make for an uncomfortable atmosphere if you’re discussing private matters.

DON’T take a call or text if you are having a face-to-face conversation with someone. Let the call go to voicemail and read your text after you finish your conversation.

While implementing the above tips into your workplace habits is a big step forward in improving your mobile device etiquette at work, there are also devices you can use to be even more respectful of your co-workers.

• Conference calls tend to emit a lot of feedback from multiple phone lines. Ensure you are heard clearly with an easy to use Bluetooth device like the Plantronics Flex-Grip Headset. The noise-canceling microphone reduces background noise and feedback others may hear while talking to you.
• Enjoy listening to music while you work? Beats urBeats In-Ear Headphones have impeccable sound quality and double as a discreet headset for taking calls.
• Recharge devices quickly with the Mophie Powerstation. Multiple USB inputs are compatible with just about any USB-charged device, and the compact size makes it easy to store and share with coworkers.

Just remember, as mobile devices become more of a necessity in the workplace, be considerate of those around you.