London - It’s a sneaky way to alleviate the boredom of a tedious meeting.
But next time you’re tempted to check your emails and texts while colleagues are talking, it might be best to hold off.
According to a survey, checking messages during meetings is the worst office faux pas, with half of those polled naming it as their worst bugbear.
The study, which looked at business etiquette, found that modern communication techniques had added to the complexity of office politics. Just over a fifth of respondents were most infuriated when colleagues sitting nearby emailed them because they couldn’t be bothered to speak face-to-face.
Customer communication consultancy Pitney Bowes, which carried out the study, called The New Rude, said it showed that Britons’ reliance on technology may be encouraging poor manners.
Hina Sharma, head of brand for Europe, said: “It may seem obvious, but manners matter, and business etiquette plays a subtle yet important role in developing relationships.
“While technology has undoubtedly revolutionised the business world, it’s important to use it appropriately and know when to switch it off.
“If you’re meeting with a client, for example, your focus should be on them, not your phone.”
THE TOP TEN OFFICE IRRITATIONS
1 Checking emails in meetings (49%)
2 Not looking somebody in the eye while shaking hands (46%)
3 Checking texts during a business lunch (45%)
4 Not muting your cellphone during a conference call (38%)
5 LinkedIn invites from somebody you don’t know (24%)
6 Emailing a colleague at the next desk (22%)
7 Text-speak in emails (22%)
8 Use of capitals in text/emails to make a point (18%)
9 Emailing invitations to meetings without listing the purpose (14%)
10 Talking on the phone in public areas (13%). Daily Mail