Mobile phones are without a doubt one of our most cherished assets, especially if it’s a smartphone. From conducting business transactions, to keeping up to par with the latest news, to entertainment through social media and more, mobile phones are keeping us connected to each other and informed about what’s happening in the world. Daily, we notice how cell phone usage is increasing among individuals of all ages and classes, even at our jobs; which sounds good, right? With nearly everyone making use of the technology, this would certainly improve society’s means of communication. So it’s fair to say that the world is gradually moving away from the old-fashioned dependency on manual skills/labour and traditional forms of communication at home and in the workplace. We are moving head-on into a future driven environment by advanced digital and communication technologies.
But sometimes we can get a bit sidetracked when work should be our first priority. Whether your job is at a bank, or at Payless Shoe Source, the workplace should be an environment of productivity and decorum. Getting caught misusing your phone on the job can easily lead to unwelcome sanctions from a manager or supervisor.
Here are 5 tips to help keep you focussed while on the job:
Let calls go to voicemail:
While the mobile phone was created to keep us a few clicks away to ensure we don’t miss important calls, non-emergency calls can be allowed to go to your voicemail. It’s easy to get into chatty conversations with family and friends over the phone. However, continually taking these calls could change your manager’s perception of you and cause him or her to wonder how important your work is to you and how often, or easily, you are distracted by phone calls.
To avoid this, screen the calls you receive from individuals who tend to keep you engaged in drawn-out conversations while you’re on the job, and let those calls go to voicemail. Besides, checking your voicemail would be a lot easier and less disruptive.
Keep loud ringers OFF:
Like the ringtones that go buzzing through the cubicles or hallways where you work, loud ringers should always be avoided. Not only do they distract you every time you receive a notification, they also distract your co-workers. Whenever your colleagues are distracted, this disrupts their progress and it can be difficult for them to regain momentum.
Silence the rowdy ringtones and set your phone to vibrate instead. If your phone is easily within reach, why set it to ring loudly?
Avoid carrying your mobile phone to meetings
Unless you use your phone for taking notes and marking dates on your calendar or for other similar activities, your mobile should not be used during a meeting. Taking calls with your head down throughout the meeting will give the other persons in attendance the impression that you’re not really concerned about what’s going on at the meeting.
So whenever you attend a meeting turn off your phone or preferably, don’t bring it along unless it’s necessary or permitted. This will enable you to be fully engaged in the proceedings.
Keep private calls private:
Making calls during a lunch break is perfectly fine on the job, but, find a private place to make them. Most of your workmates wouldn’t want to, and shouldn’t have to overhear your personal conversations. The most common – and inappropriate – place to make a private call, is the restroom. Not only is it unprofessional to speak to your client or family member over the phone with the sound of flushing water in the background, it’s also a risky place to discuss confidential information. You can never be sure who may be listening while you speak aloud.
So, by all means, avoid the restroom entirely and keep a safe distance from co-workers, especially if your conversation is private. Speaking in a low tone can also be very helpful.
Have a professional ringtone
Finally, if it’s simply impossible for you to keep your phone on vibrate or turned off completely for some important reason (or if you’re allowed to keep your mobile phone on at all times during work) make sure you have a professional ringtone. Every time your phone rings it should be subtle and minimally distracting. Ringtones to avoid are those that contain profane words, abrupt noises and strange sounds. While your friends may find some of them cool or funny, remember that your manager and workmates think differently, and to maintain a good reputation, you must maintain an attitude of professionalism at all times.
A stock ringtone that’s built into the phone would do. If your office or work area is normally quiet, keep the volume down too.
