Technology Etiquette for the Modern Office

Work life is very different than it was in the past. The 8 to 5 grind is quickly becoming obsolete as people work from home, coffee shops and on their laptop at the beach. Individual contributors are fast becoming the norm. People conduct meetings via teleconference and shared whiteboards, and many screens unlock with the help of facial recognition.

Technology use is at an all-time high; being smart about its place in your day is a key component to business success. Here are my tech tips for today’s business environment:

Give Others Your Full Attention

This tip tops the list. It’s impossible to fake focus. We get into the habit of sitting behind screens and checking our smartphones on a loop. Challenge yourself close your laptop (at least halfway) from time to time during a meeting to keep the temptation out of sight. Chances are good the information at hand is already displayed on a smartboard in the room so you can follow along. Airplane mode will do the trick on your smartphone (or put it away and of course on silent). Being a good listener is an essential life and business skill.

Timeliness Still Counts

Though you may be joining a meeting from afar, being on time still matters. Add in a cushion of time for tech issues, and strive to be present and accounted for before the discussion gets underway. Having your coworker’s (or client’s) number saved to your contacts is not a permission slip to send a “ten minutes away” text as they wait for you in the lobby or restaurant. If you are hosting the call, run through your Google Slides and test the video/audio in advance to be courteous of everyone’s time.

Reduce Tech Multitasking

It’s almost too easy to open multiple tabs on your computer when you are attending a meeting virtually, whether via Google Hangouts, GoToMeeting, or any number of services. Though it may be tempting to get work done while trying to listen (and chime in), you will undoubtedly miss important information and may come across as disengaged or confused when you are asked a question. This also applies to in-person meetings.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Though a thank you email doesn’t replace a thank you note, it provides another opportunity to express your appreciation. Keep your social media presence updated and add hyperlinks to your email signature. Your posts will add another layer of polish to your professional image.

Check Behind Siri

Siri is our best friend and can make a reservation, tell us the weather or compose a text. Unfortunately, she is often ruthless when it comes to dictating a message. What you say may get lost in translation; always review texts and email messages before hitting send.

Embrace Wellness with the Help of Tech

Set your AppleWatch or FitBit to remind you to get up and move throughout the day. Your step count can also be a good motivator. If available, go for the ergonomic desk and chair in the office. When making your wishlist for family and friends, add a few wellness tools, such as an under the desk elliptical, exercise bike, desk cycle or chair balance disk.

Provide Reliable Tech to Employees

Even something as simple as reliable WiFi is important to employee productivity. Having to wait for strong connection to download is not only personally frustrating but professionally unproductive. Regularly update and upgrade business tools such as laptops and budget for in-office or on-call tech support.

You may also like The Value of Offering Professional Development Training. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow Diane on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.