Texting in the workplace Presenter: Noel Dutcher

Today’s Agenda Our reliance on mobile devices Activity listing employees Pros of text messaging in the work place Cons of text messaging in the work place Group Activity Setting Boundaries and Guidelines Conclusion Activity Recap Questions

Our Reliance on mobile devices What if we forbid mobile devices, or what if we do not forbid mobile devices? Take control in the workplace and set guidelines The average Amercain 18-29 year old sends and receives over 88 text messages per day, vs. 17 phone calls per day. Statistic from: Frost, S. (2016). About Texting in the Workplace. Retrieved January 24, 2016, from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/texting-workplace-12302.html As the manager, do you text?

Activity List your employees in your work place Do they text? Do you know? What are their response rates like? What other forms of communication are you currently using, and is it effective?

Pros of text messaging in the workplace Notifications Less distracting than ringtones Not disturbing off-the-clock employees Cost efficiency Speed Family check ins Privacy Faster and easier than email Almost always receive a response

Cons of text messaging in the workplace Distraction if full attention is needed Safety Hazards Lack of response (if applicable) Failed Sending/Lack of Service Distraction from work duties Not everyone uses text messaging Constant checking of phone required Abbreviations and codes may cause misunderstandings

Break Please take a 5 minute break. When you return, we will begin our next activity.

Activity In groups, discuss your work places Swap ideas that you have for current forms of communication Are they effective or ineffective? How could you make them better?

Setting boundaries and guidelines Your policy cannot be one size fits all Develop a “middle of the road” policy Enable your employees Establish consequences for violations of guidelines Align guidelines with your company’s culture and principles Do you want to cut off current customer relations?

Activity Conclusion activity in your groups. Will you establish a “middle of the road” policy for texting in the work place? How does it align with your culture and established principles? How will it effect your current employees? Swap ideas with your groups to confirm ideas

Reliance on Mobile Devices Pros and Cons in the workplace Recap! Reliance on Mobile Devices Pros and Cons in the workplace Setting Boundaries and Guidelines Review of Activities

Questions? Please feel free to ask questions or ask for additional information. Any feedback is welcomed!

References Frost, S. (2016). About Texting in the Workplace. Retrieved January 24, 2016, from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/texting-workplace-12302.html   Halverson, C. (2013, February 21). Texting in the Workplace: Establishing a Company Policy. Retrieved January 24, 2016, from http://wheniwork.com/blog/texting-in-the-workplace-establishing-a-   company-policy/ Turchetti, C. (2014, August 27). How Texting in the Workplace Could Damage   Your Business. Retrieved January 24, 2016, from   https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-   business/openforum/articles/how-texting-in-the-workplace-could-damage-   your-business/