Some people don’t use any type of electronic communication. They simply walk right up to their colleague’s desk and begin discussing whatever topic is on their mind. This can disturb the other person and negatively impact the other workers in the immediate area.
Email: Remember that an email is essentially a business letter that is delivered to the recipient in minutes versus days. Email is considered a standard form of communication in the workplace. However, many treat it too causally. All emails should be kept formal. If you wouldn’t put the words in a formal business letter, they shouldn’t be used in an email either. Watch out for emotional responses and excessive punctuation. Review and think before you send emails!
Meetings: It is very tempting to walk up to a colleague requesting a quick meeting, especially in open office settings. This is not only distracting, but considered rude by the colleague and others working near them. If the matter is urgent, call or email the colleague to see if it is a good time to talk. When you do meet, try to do so in an empty conference room or office so others are not disturbed.
Cell Phones, Tablets, Other Conversations in Meetings: Multitasking doesn’t makes us more productive and efficient. Respect the time and energy expended by the presenter. Every presentation contains some nugget of new information! This is not the time to check your email, social media, or start a conversation with the person sitting next to you.
Conversations with Colleagues: Humans are social creatures by nature. Personal conversations should be used only minimally when at work. Be mindful that others are working. Lunch is the time to discuss your private life with colleagues. It is also important to remember the separation between work life and personal life. Sharing too much personal information can negatively impact your image to decision makers. Stick to neutral topics, avoid gossip, and always keep the conversation light and positive.
