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Lack of office phone
etiquette can be distracting, disrespectful and utterly
annoying -- and can drive some workers to desperate
measures.
These days, almost all workers use the telephone at least
occasionally to conduct business. Here is a common-sense
etiquette guide to ensure your phone use doesn't disturb
everyone around you:
1. Use the
speakerphone sparingly.
Speakerphones should
only be used when several people are sitting in on the call
-- not every time you want your hands free. If you must use
the speakerphone, try to find an empty office or conference
room.
2. Watch your volume.
If your co-workers know
every detail of your personal and professional lives,
they're not necessarily eavesdropping – you are probably
just too loud. Try to speak as softly as is comfortable for
both you and your listener.
And remember, unless
you want the whole office gossiping about your personal
problems, the office is not the place to hold confidential
conversations.
3. Keep personal calls to a minimum.
Scheduling a doctor's
appointment or checking on your kids from time to time is
understandable. But that's where many workers draw the line.
4. Turn off your cell phone ringer.
You might love Michael
Jackson's "Rock with you," or the theme from "Titanic," but
after your phone relentlessly rings unattended at work, your
cutesy ringer sounds like a tornado siren to your cube
mates.
Cell phones have a "silent" setting for a reason. When you
will be away from your desk, use it.
5. Be considerate of others' space.
Companies often
physically separate more telephone-based workers, like
salespeople, from departments who work best in quiet, like
marketing. Unfortunately, that doesn't always stop the noise
from spilling over.
Before you take your cell phone to conduct business in a
quieter location, be considerate of those who are working
there quietly -- your conversation could disturb an entire
department. Ask permission of those within earshot, or try
to find an empty space to talk.
Edited by:
Mona Gawiche
Source:
Laura Morsch
CareerBuilder.com writer
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