Good cell phone etiquette is not optional in today's technologically advanced workplace. Being polite and appropriate in the workplace is crucial for a productive work environment.

Most individuals don't mean to be impolite when talking on their cell phones. It is likely they simply aren’t mindful or aware of how their excessive cell phone use can come across to others. The lack of a smartphone privacy policy or written cell phone policy at work leads workers to navigate a minefield.

That said, office cell phone etiquette and mobile phones can and do coexist. We've compiled six simple suggestions to improve smartphone conduct in the office.

Silence Your Phone

The last thing you want is for your phone to go off while you’re rummaging around in your bag trying to find it or even worse, when you've left to use the restroom. If you need to excuse yourself for a moment to get some coffee or attend a meeting, just let your voicemail handle the call.

In social situations, it is polite to put your phone on silent. Not allowing your phone to ring, putting your phone on vibrate, or activating the “Do Not Disturb” mode are all good options. 

Put Your Phone Away

If you want to avoid distracting yourself and others with constant phone checks during work hours, put your phone in your desk drawer to keep it out of sight. The buzz of a vibrating family call or text is annoying, too. Schedule checking your phone during the middle of the day, around lunchtime, or when your child usually comes home from school and plan to step away if you need to.

Make and accept phone calls only when you are alone. A noisy mobile phone conversation, particularly one that is not work-related, is rude and disruptive to others around you who are trying to get their own work done. If you have to attend to a personal business matter, choose a quiet place like a conference room to do it in.

You don't want to give your coworkers and superiors the impression that you can't provide 100% of your attention to the job at hand, therefore limit your personal cell phone use at the workplace.

Take Important Calls Only

In reality, only a tiny fraction of personal calls are urgent. If you must answer a call, do it discreetly and out of earshot of others by going outdoors or finding a quiet nook to do so. If your child's school calls or there's an emergency at home, it's understandable to take an important phone call, but reserve making small talk and playing games for your break or the ride home.

Don't Look At Texts During Meetings

Meetings are not the time to bring your phone and check it. Using a phone during a meeting is rude and suggests that you have more pressing matters on your mind. As a sign of respect and so that you don't miss any crucial information related to your work, it is essential to give your undivided attention to the person speaking or the subject being addressed.

Do not look at your phone, even beneath the table, at any time throughout the meeting. Keep your phone at your desk unless there is an emergency at home and someone needs to contact you.

Lastly, cell phones shouldn't be a part of the place setting during business lunches. Allow everyone to connect and unwind at lunch, not separate by way of a technological device. 

Don't Take Calls In The Restroom

This work etiquette tip applies to cell phones in the workplace as it does anyplace else. Know that it's impolite to both the person on the other end of the line as well as to anybody else who may be using the restroom at the same time.

Because of the nature of the office environment, it is important to respect the personal space of your colleagues and refrain from making unnecessary noise. The other person does not need to have the impression that they are in the washroom at the same time as you while conversing with them.

Share Your Cell Phone Rules With Others

Bear in mind that everything has its time and place. It's crucial that we don't let ourselves grow more isolated from one another as cell phones and social media bring the world into our offices.

If you're trying to be professional about your cell phone usage at work, remember to share these three guidelines with your colleagues:

• Don't let your phone distract you or the others around you;
• Give your full attention to what you're doing right now; 
• Be fully present with individuals during face-to-face conversations.

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