In the digital age, we keep our cell phones on us at all times. When I’ve forgotten my cell phone at home, I’ve felt like I had phantom limb syndrome. Having your cell phone at work can be useful, but if you don’t respect those around you as well as your work effort it can be very disruptive. Besides loud text pings, continuous cell phone calls, or email notifications, your phone can also disrupt your workflow.
When it comes to using your cell phone at work, you have to be respectful of your co-workers and your boss, as well as knowing your limits of concentration and maintaining the ability to get the job done.
Mind your Mobile manners and follow these tips at work:
1. Turn Your Cell Phone Sound Off
If you have your cell phone at work, it shouldn't ring, ping, or make any noise. Even the sound of constant vibrations on top of a desk can become annoying to others if you are in a cramped work environment. Not only is it distracting to your coworkers but it is also to yourself when you are trying to concentrate. In addition, you don't want your superior to know how often you get calls.
2. Don’t Be a Chatty Cathy
If you have your cell phone at work, you should only use it for important calls. Important calls mean emergencies, not gossip or family drama. If you are not sure whether your phone call is important or dire to answer, let it go to voice mail. Important phone calls will leave a voice mail, which you can call back depending on the situation. When you are ready to converse, make sure you find a secluded area from the rest of your coworkers. Not everyone is interested in your personal life. They have a job to do, and you don’t want to be the one distracting them from it.
3. Potty Party? Ew. Don't Bring Your Cell Phone Into the Restroom
This rule should apply not just to work etiquette but any public toilet. There’s nothing more disgusting than listening to someone use the bathroom on the phone, so be sure not to follow suit! Not only will the person on the other end of the line hear bathroom sounds but also it is an invasion of your co-workers' privacy that are using the facilities.
4. Don't Bring Your Cell Phone to Meetings
Although this one may be flexible depending on your work environment, cell phones have become the ultimate distraction during moments of concentration. Imagine how rude it is when someone else is talking during a presentation. Although a phone may be silent, texting while someone is asking for your attention is rude and disrespectful. If you are using your phone as a tool during your meetings, then by all means use it, but make sure you aren’t wavering your attention from the main focus and be engaged in the meeting in front of you.
It’s okay to give your cellphone a break, and its even better to break yourself away for a little bit. You’ll be surprised how much you can accomplish!
