One area, in particular, where there seems to be an increase in etiquette breaches concerns technology. The proliferation of portable devices such as cell phones, smartphones and iPods may make employees more productive, but they don’t always contribute to a more polite workplace. In fact, they often create barriers to personal interactions and may increase the opportunities to inadvertently offend colleagues. More than half (51 percent) of chief information officers polled in a Robert Half Technology survey said they have seen increased instances of poor workplace etiquette resulting from more frequent use of mobile electronic devices.

If you don’t want to be known as a tech-etiquette outlaw in your office, take note of these suggestions for navigating around potential pitfalls:

Curb multitasking tendencies. One of the most common technology-related offenses is fixating on your incoming e-mail or text messages when you’re attending a meeting or collaborating with colleagues. Not only is this rude behavior, but it gives those around you the impression that you’re not giving them or the matter at hand your full attention. It’s as if you are silently saying, “I have far more important areas to focus on than what anyone here at this meeting has to say.” If there is an urgent situation that requires you to monitor and respond to an e-mail or text, excuse yourself briefly and step away to reply.

On a similar note, don’t allow mobile devices such as iPods or Bluetooth headsets to come between you and your colleagues. Keeping a wireless earpiece or headphones constantly plugged in signals to others that you either don’t want to be bothered or that you’re not willing to give your undivided attention. Be accessible to your colleagues by using earpieces in the office with discretion and consideration for those around you. And whatever you do, don’t sing along with your iPod.

Don’t broadcast freely. Cell phones present another electronic etiquette minefield. Individuals often make the mistake of using cell phones to discuss a range of nonbusiness issues – perhaps feeling that it’s more acceptable to talk freely about various subjects on a personal phone. Even worse, many people inadvertently speak louder on cell phones because they feel they have to compensate for background noise. Yet another common transgression is using loud or annoying ringtones that continually startle and disrupt those around you.

Because cell phones create an array of potential workplace annoyances, well-mannered professionals will curtail their use in the office, or at least while in common areas. Exercise good judgment and limit private conversations to private places.

Use e-mail thoughtfully. Considering it is probably the most widely used means of communication in today’s workplace, appropriate use of e-mail is vitally important to one’s professional image. Yet, it also presents numerous opportunities for etiquette missteps. Professionals can steer clear of problems in this area by strictly adhering to firmwide policies on e-mail and Internet usage. For instance, even if some of your colleagues think it’s acceptable to forward jokes or chain e-mails, it’s bst to avoid these practices. Many people don’t want their in boxes overflowing with spam. Also, you never know when something that strikes you as humorous might offend someone else.

Be careful to also avoid lesser e-mail offenses such as overusing the “reply all” option or forwarding potentially sensitive e-mails without the sender’s approval. In the latter case, the sender probably would have copied others on the e-mail if he or she wanted them to read it. Also, when composing e-mails, recognize that there’s always a possibility that others besides the intended recipients will read it. With this in mind, never put anything in writing that would come back to haunt you if it were forwarded. If you have complaints or criticisms to air, it’s usually best to have an in-person conversation.

Keep social networking in check. If your company has specific policies on the use of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, follow them explicitly. But even if your firm has yet to formulate guidelines in this area, career-minded professionals should curtail their personal usage of these sites while at work. It’s also wise to exercise discretion with social networking sites even when you’re using them away from the office. Use privacy settings to restrict access to personal information that you wouldn’t want your boss or clients to see.

Another area where there is the potential for missteps is the issue of “friending” business associates and colleagues on social networking sites. It may seem like a natural extension of amiable office relationships to “friend” people you work with, but not everyone is comfortable mixing social media with business. For instance, a Robert Half survey found that nearly half of executives (48 percent) said they would not feel comfortable being “friended” by the employees they manage or, for that matter, their bosses (47 percent).

With this in mind, think twice before friending business associates, and be prepared for these types of requests if you receive them. But rather than slighting professional contacts who send you a friend request, consider accepting these requests but create a “work” or “professional” list and make use of privacy settings to control what personal details and posts this group can view.

Even individuals who are highly skilled and effective in their positions should keep in mind that practicing professional etiquette, especially in regard to technology, is also important to their success. Although the latest technologies may be alluring – and may even make you more productive – take care not to let them harm your professional reputation and inhibit your career progression. 

--------------------
Paul McDonald is the executive director of Robert Half Management Resources, North America’s largest consulting services firm providing senior-level accounting and finance professionals on a project basis. For more information about Robert Half Management Resources, a division of Robert Half International, visit www.roberthalfmr.com. Follow Robert Half Management Resources on Twitter at twitter.com/roberthalfmr for industry news and workplace and career advice.