Best Practices for Work-Related Texting
More business professionals are texting in an effort to get work done effectively. It can be a great way to get a message to a colleague quickly.
Just watch out for these etiquette blunders, which are easy to fall into when using such an informal tool.
- Overusing it. Texting is great for simple messages – such as setting up a meeting. If you need to say something more complicated – or can’t agree on a time for that meeting – it’s better to pick up the phone.
- Being too casual. It’s tempting to skip punctuation when you’re typing a tiny keyboard. Keep business message professional. And leave the shorthand to the teenagers.
- Expecting instant replies. One reason texting’s caught on: It’s easy for people to respond instantly. But if you don’t get a response right away, don’t get frustrated or send more texts.
- Ignoring everyone around you. We’ve all heard warnings of texting while driving. But it’s also important to avoid getting caught up in texting when there are people around you trying to get your attention.
Lastly, and most importantly: Keep in mind that texting should only occur during work hours, not after hours. Managers should ONLY email staff regarding work-related projects not text such messages after hours with the expectation that staff will open those emails the following morning, or next shift. Otherwise staff may expect to be paid overtime wages for after-hours work related text messages.