July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month (yes, you read that right). Smartphones are ubiquitous—they’ve practically become a fifth limb. Even in an office, where landlines and desktop computers are a mainstay, smartphones have taken over. Cell phone manners are essential to a healthy work environment. To help ensure considerate cell phone etiquette, here are the 8 most annoying office cell phone habits provided by POA:
1. Talking LOUDLY on your phone. Even people who are not naturally loud talkers can find themselves speaking loudly on a cell phone, especially if there is a poor connection. Since many offices have an open floor plan, people work in close proximity. Be courteous of your co-workers and keep cell phone conversations to a reasonable audible level. Even better, take your conversation to the conference room or outside.
2. TMI (too much information) talk. If you are taking a personal call on your cell phone at work, be mindful of what you say. You never know who could be listening.
3. Offensive ringtones. Everyone has his or her own musical preferences. Even well loved songs can be irritating. In a quiet office, the sudden blaring of “When the Saints Go Marching In” can be quite alarming. Make sure to keep your phone is on silent while at work.
4. Frequent pinging. Some people like to receive alerts each time they get an email or their friends post on Instagram and Facebook. This is another reason to keep your phone on silent or to turn off notifications while at work.
5. Checking your phone during meetings. Put your phone away and pay attention during work meetings. Pulling out your phone distracts others and is disrespectful to the person speaking.
6. Checking your phone during conversations. No matter how short the chat, give each conversation respect and check your phone later. Switching in and out of a conversation by looking at your phone can send the message that you are uninterested in what your colleagues have to say.
7. Say no to bathroom stall talking and texting. That's just unsanitary.
At Pacific Office Automation, we focus on creating productive workspaces. From cellphone courtesy tips to workflow automation, we have you covered. Contact us today to see how we can help your office be a more efficient, pleasant place to work.