Page 30 - Today’s Business Communication; A How-to Guide for the Modern Professional

WhY MUST I REMEMBER ThAT NOThINg ON ThE INTERNET 19
80% of all cell phone owners use their phones to send and receive texts.
Further, the project concluded that texting is “nearly universal among
young adults, ages 18–29.” Therefore, texting is in many places, and soon
will be nearly everywhere, a major mode of workplace communication.
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Many writers frame the issue of texting as one of generational differ-
ences. The takeaway message is usually, “texting is an unproductive activity
performed by young employees.” Given the heavy use of text messaging
by almost all age cohorts, that message is becoming increasingly hollow.
There are not many hard-and-fast rules about appropriate text messaging
at work, but attorneys and IT professionals are developing policies all over
the country, even as we write this book. Please consider these points:
First, know whether your company has a policy in place about
text messaging. Are you allowed to send text messages while at work?
Some companies restrict sending text messages—even from personal
devices—during work because of liability issues. The company can be
held liable if you drive, text, and crash during the course of your work.
Second, if you send a message that can be construed as creating a
hostile work environment, your employer can be liable. Beyond liability,
some employers believe that text messaging reduces your productivity and
is distracting for other workers. Regardless of whether you are issued a
company cell phone, you must know your company’s policy about tex-
ting. If your company policy allows text messaging, here are a few tips to
keep in mind.

• Pay more attention to the people you are with than to your
device.
• Maintain a professional tone in messages and use whole
words, not text shortcuts. For example type great, not “gr8.”
Particularly when you communicate inter generationally, your
audience may not know all the same shortcuts that you know,
“IOHO” (in our humble opinion).
• Understand your audience’s technology proficiency (do
you know if the person on the other end uses texts?) Some
“Baby Boomers” and “The Silents” refuse to text, or find
it difficult to text because of certain medical conditions,
including arthritis. Additionally, they may not subscribe to