“10 Golden rules of using the mobile phone in the Workplace” By Inderjit Singh Mobile phones are now an integrated part of life all over the world. It's remarkable that technology enables to us to carry a phone, but we tend t end to forget that, during certain situations, it can be irritating to others and even disrespectful to use mobile phones. We should keep in mind that when it comes to work, the phone should be in appropriate reach.
10 golden rules that should be applicable at every workplace:
1. Be Discreet
Most people have had the experience of overhearing conversations. Be mindful of what you are speaking about and who is around. Work is not the place to discuss your current personal issues on your mobile because you never know who is listening. Keep your public chitchat G-rated, because you never know who is listening (Michelle 2010).
2. Keep the Volume Down
Remember that you don't need to shout to be heard on your cell phone. Similarly, turn down the ringer on your phone so that it does not no t disturb others. Make sure that your ringtone is non-offensive if you do not have your phone on a silent mode.
3. Be considerate of others
It’s probably not the best idea to have a 30minute conversation at your desk (Laura Garcia 2012). Employees who have children will occasionally receive vitally important calls. Sometimes, these calls must be answered. However, to respect your coworkers, its best to keep your voice down or walk out of the office if it’s a lengthier conversation.
4. Leave your cell phone behind at meetings.
When attending a meeting, leave your mobile phone behind. There is no need to answer phone calls when you should be paying attention to the people around you. It shows respect to colleagues when they are discussing during a meeting.
5. Limit receiving text messages and replying
It’s always best to avoid that texting, and only replying if necessary. Studies have shown that short interruptions, have a surprisingly large effect on one’s ability to accurately complete a task.
6. Adhere to office ground rules.
Employees shall not reveal any important information regarding work and office-related issues to any party. By you using your mobile phones during work ma y raise suspicion from the office authorities (Barbara 2006). It’s always advisable to keep your mobile phones as limited as possible during work.
7. Leave the bathroom out of it
Never, ever take a business phone call while you are in the bathroom. This is very common in every workplace, but we cannot emphasize more on how repulsive and unprofessional it is.
8. Limit browsing the net on your smart phones
In today’s advancing technology, it a good thing that we can excess the internet through phones. It helps us in finding information, but the most crucial distraction is when employees start detouring and start browsing main social n etworks. Researchers from Michigan State University asked 300 people to complete a series of ordered tasks on a computer
and then interrupted them. Sure enough, switching focus from one thing to the other and then back again made for far more mistakes than when they'd first tackled the tasks uninterrupted.
9. Use mobile phones only according to safely regulations
A workplace is designed based on the safety rules. When an employee changes the position or setting of a given workplace, it may cause hazard to the surroundings. One should never bring extension plugs and connect it to the source power, as the workplace setting is normally connected to a centralized power source.
10. Keep usage of mobile phones short and simple
Last but not least, if the need of mobile phones is necessary to use during work periods, make sure to keep it short and simple. Plan well and never let those smart phones take much of your time. Make sure to take down notes as short as possible and give respect by looking at the person while talking if usage of PDA’s are involved.
A good way to determine whether you should use your mobile phone at workplace is to think of another golden rule is to treat others the way you wish to be treated. Your excitement about owning the newest mobile phone on the market is no excuse for acting badly in a workplace. Remember, a healthy environment, bring a closer community that leads to better production.
REFERENCE
Barbara, P and E. S. Coleman, eds. 2006. New Rules @ Work: 79 Etiquette Tips, Tools, and Techniques to Get Ahead and Stay Ahead. USA: Prentice Hall Press
Michelle, K. 2010. Rules for Cell Phone Etiquettes. http://www.livestrong.com/article/80143rules-cell-phone-etiquette/. (accessed March 4, 2013).
Christa, T. 2013. Mobile Phone Use Etiquettes. http://techtips.salon.com/mobile-phone-useetiquette-4460.html. (accessed March 4, 2013).
Laura, G. 2012. How Acceptable Is Cell Phone Use In the Workplace? 6 Rules to Follow. http://blog.grantham.edu/blog/bid/128081/How-Acceptable-Is-Cell-Phone-Use-in-theWorkplace-6-Rules-to-Follow. (accessed March 4, 2013).
