Cell Phone Etiquette and the Workplace

Personal cell phones should not be used at work

Wireless technology develops fast--and along with it, the attitude of people using it. Cell phones are a convenient tool to keep in touch with the world, but there are situations and places that are simply inappropriate to use a cell phone, especially when the manner to use it is also inappropriate.

Considerations

Most people have emergencies and important events that they need to learn about as soon as possible, but this doesn't justify using a personal cell phone at work, especially when its ring tone gets the attention (and annoyance) of everybody in the office. That's why cell phones should be turned on vibrate in a working environment.

Meetings

You should never take a call in a meeting. If you are waiting for an important call, set your phone in vibrating mode and if you need to answer, stand up and leave the room as quietly as possible and return as soon as possible. If you are not sure about the number calling, let the call go to voice mail and check the message during a break.

Texting is another "no-no" when in a meeting. Besides being generally rude, it's a disservice to your future career to let your coworkers believe that you don't really care what the meeting is about.

Breaks

You can use your cell phone for personal calls during breaks, but use it in private areas, where you don't disturb others with your conversation--and never in a restroom, where your coworkers need privacy and your conversations might be overheard. (Remember, too, that the person you're speaking with on the phone may not want the conversation publicized.) Cell phone conversations should be considered private and should be dealt with in private. This is considered the golden rule of cell phone etiquette.

References

• Kelly Services: Use Proper Cell Phone Etiquette at Work
• World Colleges Information: Etiquette at the Workplace