Electronic Etiquette

The rules of etiquette discussed by the book display a one sided view on what should be an acceptable use of electronic communications. Although I can agree with the majority of these supposed rules I have to point out that they do not account for a majority of working conditions that are becoming more and more common in our society.

Cell phones for instance are becoming a requirement of business for employees to carry and have on at all times. The normal work week is all but gone in today’s society for many jobs. A lot of employees have to be on-call outside of their “normal” working hours. If you are at the movies, have it on vibrate and step out if you have to take the call. There should be no talking in a movie theater, cell phone or not, and the same goes for church. I don’t however see how it’s rude to talk on the cell phone while in a restaurant. Is the book saying that I should be upset and offended that my privacy has been intruded upon because the people at the table next to me are having a conversation? Most people talk amongst themselves when going out to eat. If you feel that you should not have to listen to others while dining simply stay home.

With answering machines if it’s a business machine the rules apply and are normally mandated by the company in which you are employed. However if it is my own personal machine at home where I don’t conduct business I can have whatever annoying, short, music riddled message I desire. If you don’t like it, don’t call me.

Conference calls are the bane of everyone’s existence in the corporate world. Always identify yourself and don’t say anything unless addressing the group.

Faxes are, and should be, becoming a thing of the past with the ability to scan and email information. They are a means of public communication and should be treated as such. Calling the recipient beforehand ensures they actually receive it.

Timing your communications can be important. Depending on your reason for calling you may need to reach individuals after “normal” business hours and most people conduct business calls while driving by means of a cell phone with a hands-free headset. Again if you don’t own one, don’t talk on the phone while driving.

Your ringtones for work phones should be as unobtrusive as possible, if not on vibrate, and most screen names are mandated by the company.

I will say that you should make sure that when needing to use your personal email and phone for business, such as applying for work, ensure that your email address, voicemail, or answering machine messages are presenting you in a professional manner.