Is there an appropriate place to talk on your cell phone at work? I’ve made several calls today, from several different locations, and have come to the answer – a resounding ‘NO.’
AT YOUR DESK: Using the business phone for ‘personal business’ is frowned upon, but using your cell at your desk is a tell-tale sign that you are not working. Worse yet, you’re inclined to distract others from their work. Way to go team player!
IN THE BATHROOM: Just plain creepy. The concept of the work bathroom (which should be upgraded) is simple: do your business, wash your hands, and move on. I work with a guy who texts while peeing, and that’s just plain wrong. I’m no scientist, but the likelihood for some nasty germ transfer must be paramount.
IN THE BREAKROOM: Look around. There are people eating, sleeping, reading and writing. Do you really think they want to spend the lousy few minutes of “me” time they get listening to you blab?
IN THE HALLWAY: The human race is not very good at doing two things at once. Odds are that cell phone talkers will saunter and pace, therefore getting in the way of the hallway’s pruprose – to let people move from area to area.
THE PARKING LOT: Leaving the building creates a problem. The one time you do it, someone will be “looking all over for you.” There seems to be a double standard; smokers can step outside when the habit calls, but non-smokers have trouble justifying the excursion.
THE ROOF: If your job is anything like mine, they keep the roof door locked – for good reason!
When push comes to shove, there is not an appropriate place to use your cell phone at the office.
What do you think?
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