Cell Phone Etiquette at Work

. Barring emergencies, how often should you check your cell phones in office? (A) Whenever possible (B) Every 15 mins (C) Only during breaks (D) Never

( C ) Only during breaks Explanation It's pretty clear when your office has a "no cell phones while work" policy. Otherwise, it is best to use your phone as sparingly as possible. Unless your job demands so, talking on the phone is a huge distraction not only for you, but for co-workers around too. Although it sounds impractical to shun cell phones in today's world for eight hours, you can definitely limit its use. Checking them during breaks is acceptable. Use this time to make important personal calls as well.

What should you do when your phone rings in the middle of a meeting? (A) Pick it up and keep it brief (B) Excuse yourself from the meeting to pick the call (C) Switch off the phone and render a quick apology (D) Let it ring till it goes to voice mail

( C ) Switch off the phone and render a quick apology. There are fewer things more annoying than a buzzing cell phone when everyone's trying to get work done. Always remember to leave your phone out or turn it off when entering a meeting.

What should you do when you are expecting an urgent call while you will be in an important meeting? (A) Inform your co-workers that you are expecting an urgent call and that you will need to excuse yourself briefly to answer it (B) Take the call during the meeting, apologize later (C) Take the call anyway, your co-workers will understand that it must have been important (D) Keep the phone switched off, calls can wait

(A) Explanation While it is a general office rule to keep your phone switched off in an important meeting, some things can require your urgent attention. Informing prior to the start of the meeting will show your diligence and respect. Also, this way no one gets caught off guard by the loud ring or buzz. Make sure to step outside before you start speaking on the phone.

What is a correct way to take a call while talking face-to-face with people? (A) It's just a call, take it (B) Take permission from people involved to answer the call (C) Excuse yourself and leave (D) Let it go to voice mail

(B) Explanation You can't avoid calls every time you are in a face-to-face conversation. Of course if it is not important you can let it go to voicemail, but politely taking permission can also do the trick. A simple, "this is important, do you mind?" or "I need to take this one, hope it's alright" shows respect for the other person.

It is okay to put a loud song as your phone ringtone so everyone in the office can know just how popular you are. (A) Yes (B) Absolutely not

(B) Absolutely Not Explanation Putting your phone on ringer in the office is bad for many reasons. Not only does the constant buzzing disturb your co-workers, you also risk your boss keeping a count of calls you get in a day! But if you can't keep your phone off the ringer, use subtle tones fit for office. Loud ringtones or ringtones containing offensive or profane content must be especially avoided.

Sending gossip texts, tweets, messages to a colleague while at work is a team bonding exercise. (A) True (B) False

(B) False Explanation Gossiping with colleagues is looked down upon in any office culture. Using your cell phone to chitchat during office hours means complete disrespect for office policies as well as personal space. Save it for after work.

Taking private calls in restroom is a good idea; at least you will not be disturbing your colleagues while working. (A) True (B) False

(B) False Taking any calls in the restroom is a bad idea, even worse in an office bathroom. Not only will you spill the beans on your personal life for everyone to talk about later, but also disturb someone's private moment. Instead take the personal calls to a break room, cafeteria or outside, maintaining a 10-feet distance rule while keeping your voice low.

Is it acceptable to take important personal calls at the desk? (A) Yes (B) No

(B) YES Explanation: Taking ONLY important calls at the work station is acceptable as long as you keep the call quick and your voice low. Your call should not disturb the co-workers. Keep the ringer on very low volume, even better, on vibration, but away from the desk. If it's not an emergency the phone call should wait until a break or after work.

Your co-worker's constant texting and playing with her phone is distracting you. What should you do? (A) Talk to the human resources about the issue (B) Get "No texting signs" placed in close vicinity (C) Send a cell phone etiquette quiz to the person (D) Talk directly; let them know loud and clear (E) A and B

(E) A & B Explanation Being direct would come around as being rude, so will sending a customized quiz. Best way to deal with such office issues is to talk to a person or department in authority. They can take it up in the staff meeting or talk directly with person in question. Signs help too, acting as constant reminders of certain office etiquette.

Where should your cell phone definitely not be while in a meeting? (A) On the table (B) In your hand (C) Inside your pocket (D) None of the above (E) A & B

(E) A&B Explanation While talking to people, especially in a meeting, make sure you never point your cell phone at someone else. It's out rightly rude. Moreover, you won't be able to resist looking at it while it is right in front of your eyes on table. Add to that, the phone vibrating on the table will annoy everyone present there. Out of sight, out of mind is the policy to practice here.