The time is nigh when there needs to be a definition of Office Etiquette for when to e-mail or IM a co-worker versus getting up and talking to them. The technology has made it such that, if given the chance, we would not have to interact with our co-workers in any way other than through that technology.

But, is that always the way to go?

Sure, shooting off a quick e-mail asking a question may be less time consuming, but where do you draw the line? When does just a quick e-mail or IM conversation become ridiculous?

Certainly if the time it would take you to get up, walk to where they were, ask the question, receive the answer, and walk back to your desk is more than the time it would take to shoot off a quick e-mail for a simple answer ... then by all means, do the latter and continue on with your business at hand.

However, what does this say about human interaction and communication with co-workers? There must be a few steps taken so that we do not alienate others (or ourselves) from our co-workers by abusing the technology so readily available at our fingertips.

A few guidelines:
1) If the answer or question is short, to the point, and requires nothing more than a quick reply - e-mail or IM is certainly acceptable.
2) Shooting off a quick IM to see if your co-worker is available for a minute so that you may have a discussion with them regarding something that is either too in-depth to be put into an e-mail, or too obscure to properly express yourself is fine as well.
3) Never assume the person you are sending the e-mail or IM to is as computer literate as you are. If your e-mail goes un-responded after a few minutes, do not write up another or resend it. Get up, go over to them, and politely ask if they have a minute to discuss your e-mail.

Basically, use common etiquette sense. Today's office environment is busy and hectic at times, true, but never underestimate or overestimate the value of a good conversation.

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