After working in an office where communication between employees was vital, I have become an avid user/supporter of email. In the office where I worked, it was important to not only communicate constantly, it was also important to keep track of these conversations in an organized and efficient way. There were many times when I had to go back to prove that I had, indeed, spoke to another employee about a specific topic and it was simple to just click on my sent or saved mail file and print the specific correspondence. In this office, it was also important to stay focused and ensure that all incoming phone calls were answered. If I so much as stepped away from my desk to speak with a co-worker, the phone would start ringing off the hook and I would have to return to my desk immediately and forget about speaking with co-worker face-to-face. It was in these specific instances when emailing was so convenient.

I am not too familiar with instant messaging in the workplace, as it was never available to me. I, honestly, think that I would be annoyed by constant pop-up messages requiring immediate answers. This could be an issue if a client was standing at your desk or your supervisor was looking over your soldier as another employee messaged a non-work related question such as "what are you doing for lunch?:)"

One problem with email is that not everyone is computer literate or email savvy. I happen to be a fast typist and quick responder. Unfortunately, not everyone works at the same lightning fast speed that I am accustomed to. So if I needed a quick response to a question or fast opinion about an issue, it would sometimes be easier to quickly phone the person at their desk.

Whichever way you choose, office workers are fortunate to have so many means of communication available in this day in age. Whether you are an avid emailer, instant messenger, or you prefer to communicate over the phone or in person, the important thing is to remember etiquette and get the job done in as fast and efficient way possible.

Learn more about this author, Jean Maniscalco.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Office etiquette: When to talk, when to e-mail?
We want to hear your view. Write now!