When it comes to using your cell phone at work, it’s important to be mindful of your co-workers. In this article, Team YLCC brings you some suggestions for using your mobile device at work. Read on!
- Turn your ringer OFF or set to vibrate. Unless your cell phone is company-issued for business use, set your unit to vibrate while at your desk. Repetitive incoming calls will be noticed (negatively) by co-workers and management.
- Let unimportant calls go answered or you may answer them with a text saying you are unavailable at the moment. While it’s wonderful to maintain connection with the important people in your life, chatty calls during work will often reflect negatively on your perceived concentration on your duties.
- When you must use your cell phone, find a private, quiet place to make your call. Regardless of where you are, maintain a buffer zone of at least ten feet from others while using your phone. While at work, find locations that do not infringe on coworkers trying to perform their jobs.
- Don’t bring your cell phone to meetings.
Neglecting this one rule can do career damage. If an important call is expected, either for a business or a family emergency, you could put your cell phone on vibrate, bring it with you and, if appropriate, explain why it is there. Do not use it to text, read emails or post status updates. Keep your eyes on whomever is speaking and stay engaged in the meeting. Doing anything else will be a clear signal to your boss that your mind isn’t on the business at hand. If you must bring your phone to a meeting, do not place it on the table. It is a distraction to all. - Never talk on your cell phone in restrooms. Why? You often do not know who else may be using the facilities. Should you communicate private
information or sensitive work issues, you may easily be overheard without your knowledge. Also sounds from the bathroom can be heard by the person on the other line and may trigger concerns about your personal judgment. - Don’t use embarrassing ring tones. Along with possibly annoying both coworkers and supervisors, a silly ring tone can negatively impact your career by portraying a less than professional image.
- Give 100% focus to the person in front of you. Don’t interrupt a face-to-face conversation with someone by taking a call or texting. In doing so, you are communicating to the person in front of you that they are unimportant.
- Include an email signature on business emails sent from your cell phone.
Emails from mobile devices only have your name and the type of device the message was sent from. It is important to include your work contact information so people can easily respond to you.
YLCC would like to thank Riya Singh for her valuable insights in this article.
