Mobiquette The Art Of Good Mobile Behavior At Work

By Author: Susan Smith
Total Articles: 132
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So you have a shiny piece of technology in your pocket. Does that give you the right to be obnoxious at the workplace? Of course not. You need to understand that callous mobile behavior at work is not just annoying. It can cause serious negative business impact. There are some very important mobile usage practices that you must be very careful about.

1. No phones at the table in a meeting room

Keeping your phone on the table during a meeting keeps you distracted. Even if you ignore it, every time the little screen lights up, your attention gets drawn to it. Also, in vibrate mode, phones on a table make the annoying brrrrrr…. Sound which no one likes. Further, it is disrespectful to others that you are more interested in your phone than the conversation.

2. Keep it quiet

This is a no-brainer. At the workplace, it is best to keep your little friend in silent or vibrate mode so as to not disturb your colleagues. Also, when you talk, be soft. Not only this gains you respect from your colleagues, your conversation may be heard by people that are not supposed to know it.

3. Keep it short

Having ...
... lengthy conversations on your mobile phone at work is not a good idea, especially if they are personal in nature. No one may say it, but people do look down upon colleagues who spend too much time discussing personal matters in the office. Even when having a business conversation, if you see the conversation extending over 10 minutes, please step out of the general work are, or into a meeting room.

4. Keep it professional

Abstain from using ringtones that are weird, too loud, vulgar, or has words in it like a song or a dialogue. Quiet, simple tones are the best. Ringtones that draw undue attention should be avoided at all cost. Its work, not a college hangout.

5. Stop Using the Phone in the Bathroom

The John is a shared space, which is also personal and intimate. No one wants to hear the details of your party last night while they are doing their business.

6. Don’t ignore others

Whenever you are having a discussion with someone, it is very rude to answer a call unless it is important. Even if you have to, don’t just pick up the phone and walk away. Inform the other person that you need to attend the call, excuse yourself, and then leave.

7. Don’t play games at work

First of all, it is a waste of time. Secondly, this reflects poorly on your image at work. Lastly, if you are over the age of 15, you should be able to control yourself.

8. Don’t Text, call

Avoid texting customers or colleagues if you can call them. Calls are more personal, and professional. Texting someone implies that you wish to communicate with them, but don’t want to bother calling them. Texting is OK if you know someone is in a meeting, and the discussion is urgent. Otherwise, prefer emailing.

9. Protect it

Most smartphones carry corporate data, even if it is just your corporate emails and contact details of your colleagues. It is important to be sensitive to your surroundings while using your device. Also, be careful and don’t leave it unattended. It is also prudent to secure it with a lock code, lest it fall into the wrong hands.

The author is associated with one of the top mobile application developers firms, iPhone application developer firms and iPad developer