9 Etiquette Tips for Tech Gadgets at Work

culled from:geekswithblogs.ne

1. Silencing Your Device

No matter what you're doing in the workplace, you should be aware of your phone or tablet settings. There's nothing more rude or offensive than having your phone go off during an important business meeting. While mobile devices are handy for taking notes during meetings, make sure that you don't get distracted by it. There's nothing more unsettling or juvenile than fumbling around on your phone when someone is trying to talk. Know when to use it and when it's becoming a nuisance.

2. Choosing the Right Apps

If your mobile device is given to you by your employer, choosing which apps to download and which apps to avoid can be tricky. The best rule to follow is that if the app doesn't help improve efficiency or productivity, you should probably forget about downloading it. This also applies to using your tablet as well. Even though you may want the latest edition of Angry Birds, avoid temptation. Word processors, mobile banking, and email services -- among others -- are what you should be looking for.

3. Talking vs. Texting

A big problem many people face is deciding and knowing when the proper times to text or talk are. Clients and colleagues should be given the courtesy of a phone call instead of a text when possible. To many, a text is impersonal and can harm relationships if relied upon solely. Texting during meetings is another faux pas that you should avoid. If you can't focus on the presentation, coworkers will find you tactless, which can hinder your workplace relations.

4. Being Too Loud

Broadcasting, for lack of a better term, is using your cell phone in public places or the workplace without any filter. You may have seen people around the office, in the bathroom, the kitchen, or various other places that speak loudly and without any sort of courtesy for those around them.
They talk about subjects that aren't work-related and disrespect all of those around them. The best plan of action is to know when you should use your cell phone for personal matters. A majority of the time, you will find it best to take care of personal matters on your own time, or to at least wait till a lunch break.

5. Using Bluetooth

While using a Bluetooth headset may seem like a good idea for the multitasker, it can often be a distraction. Constantly having the Bluetooth going shows others that you aren't available for conversation, which can strain workplace relationships. Having a constant medium going for communication is alright when you're by yourself, but it is a definite no-no while on the job.

6. Navigating the Internet

Using your smartphone or tablet on the job is a brilliant way to keep your workflow running smoothly. Typically, most of this time is spent on the Internet. However, you may notice that you lose focus during these Internet romps. To combat ill-use of the Internet, download apps that track your Internet usage. This will help you keep up your proper workload, and curb the instances of blatantly unproductive surfing. That way, you can make sure that you aren't going AWOL on the job.

7. Considering Your Audience and Colleagues

Using your tech gadget at work is fine, as long as it isn't to flaunt how technologically savvy you are. Remember that not everyone is impressed by the latest techs, and as a result, won't be overly impressed that you have them out during meetings or even at the lunch table. When all else fails, communication, meaning verbal communication, is the preferred method of contacting others. If you can master this, you'll gain respect from your coworkers.

8. Working Outside the Office

Some aspects of work can be done outside of the office, freeing you up for more valuable work while on the job. When figuring out different things that you can do from home, consider cleaning out your email inbox of spam and unneeded email.
Also, take care of personal matters at home. Don't use your tablet to play games, check sports scores, or read the latest gossip online. There's a time and a place for that, and work is neither the time nor the place.

9. Avoiding Distraction

The key to the entire subject of tech gadget etiquette is simply realizing when the device is starting to or already become a distraction. Many tech savvy people are unaware that their device usage is borderline offensive. To combat this, be aware of how much you actually use your device, as well as when and how you use it.
When you are in your place of work, these devices can easily become a distraction, even if you are using them to do work. While you may not always have the luxury of turning off your phone or not using the Internet, being aware is half the battle. Then, you can fix it in the future.