Tech Etiquette for the Office

How to avoid bad tech manners in the workplace

by Doug White, Robert Half International

When used in the wrong place or at the wrong time, a smartphone can make an employee look anything but intelligent. Despite helping some workers boost their productivity, constant connectivity comes with a cost, according to a recent survey by Robert Half International (RHI). In that survey, 51% of chief information officers (CIOs) interviewed said they've seen increased instances of poor etiquette resulting from more-frequent use of mobile devices in the workplace. Following are some common technology abusers and tips on avoiding becoming one of them:

The misguided multitasker
As you've likely noticed, many otherwise well-mannered professionals lose all sense of courtesy when holding an electronic gadget. Misguided multitaskers make efficiency a higher priority than respect, by sending a flurry of electronic messages during meetings. Unfortunately, the only message they send to other participants is "I'm distracted and disinterested."

It's best to turn off your mobile device when heading into a meeting. But if you're dealing with a pressing issue and expect to receive a critical email, give the facilitator a heads-up at the outset. And consider stepping out of the room before you start thumb-typing.

The email addict
Email has brought innumerable benefits to the business world. But it also can have big drawbacks, especially when it becomes a person's default mode of communication.

Email addicts believe they're saving time by relying entirely on electronic means for getting their thoughts across, but egregious overuse of the medium is inefficient and ineffective. In many cases, a phone call or brief one-on-one conversation is the more expedient and appropriate way to resolve an issue. When you need urgent assistance, are delivering bad news, or think a message could be misconstrued without the help of tone and body language, avoid e-mail.

The nonstop social networker
Do you know what your company's policy is regarding social media usage? Many organizations have started cracking down in this area. In another recent RHI survey, 54% of participating CIOs said their firms do not allow employees to visit social networking sites for any reason while at work; an additional 19 percent of respondents said it's acceptable only if it's related to business. Nonstop social networkers put not only their reputations in jeopardy by tweeting all day, but also their jobs.

The nonstop social networker also invites awkwardness by attempting to "friend" everyone in the office, despite the fact that many people don't want to connect with colleagues in this way. RHI found that 41 percent of managers, for instance, are uncomfortable getting Facebook friend requests from colleagues. If you want to connect with coworkers online, consider a forum like LinkedIn that is geared to professional relationships.

Be present
Finally, be mindful of the subtle signals you send with your gadgets. Listening to music may spur creativity, but constantly wearing headphones is like hanging a "do not disturb" sign from your ear. Remember that perception is reality. In a team-oriented environment, it pays to be--and look--engaged and accessible.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit roberthalf.com. For additional career advice, follow us on Twitter.

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