Home 9 Uncategorized 9 Cell Phone Courtesy in the Workplace

Cell Phone Courtesy in the Workplace

Nov 6, 2020 | Uncategorized

Happy National Cell Phone Courtesy Month! Do you mind your mobile manners? Using mobile devices, like cellphones and tablets, in the workplace is becoming more acceptable than ever before. In fact, one in three Americans use their mobile phones to make work calls, and another 82 percent use text messaging for business communication.

The Do’s and Don’t’s of Workplace Cell Phone Courtesy:

DO:

Turn your ringer on silent or vibrate. Be conscientious of the people working around you, and how the sound of your ringtone could disturb or distract them. If your office has an open floor plan or is laid out in cubicles, your ringer has the potential to be heard throughout the entire office. DON’T be that person.

DO:

Change the e-mail signature on your mobile device when sending something business related. Erase the unprofessional “Sent From My iPhone” and add your name, business title and contact information so the receiver of the email can easily contact you in a different way if needed. Customize the font and look of your cellphone email account to mirror what you have set up on your desktop. Be sure to add a confidentiality disclaimer in your mobile signature when communicating about matters of business.

DON’T 

Take personal calls at your desk if you work in a shared space. Your coworkers have better things to do than listen to what your spouse needs from the grocery store or what time you’re picking up the kids from soccer. Take personal phone calls to an empty conference room or another private location. Never use the restroom as a place to talk on the phone – you never know who may be in listening range.

DON’T

Take a phone call or answer a text message during a meeting or having a face-to-face conversation with someone. Be respectful of your coworker’s time! Be fully engaged during the meeting, and check your phone after it is over. Having your phone out, even under the table, is a clear giveaway that you are not paying attention during the meeting.

Lastly, DO be careful that you DON’T accidentally text a boss or coworker something you meant to send to a spouse or friend! If you use your personal cell phone for business communication, be sure to label your work contacts with your business name, such as “EFR John Smith.” That way, when you’re trying to reach out to John, your buddy from college, you have a better chance of avoiding an embarrassing wrong-number situation.

Use these cell phone courtesy tips to fully engage and not distract others during productive working hours. When using a mobile device, be cognizant of your surroundings in the workplace. Keep private matters private and business matters professional!

From coffee to soda to energy drinks, caffeine is a part of daily life for many of us. And while it is naturally occurring, overconsumption can cause health problems such as increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, anxiety, headaches, and insomnia. For this blog, we sat down with Susie Roberts, a Registered Dietitian to discuss all things caffeine—why it’s such a big part of our lives, how much of it is in the food items many people enjoy regularly, and how much is too much. We’ll also talk about current trends and tips on how to boost your energy naturally so you can stop relying on caffeine to keep you energized throughout the day.

Q: Just this morning, I heard someone say “I’m not caffeinated enough for this day!” It really is such a big part of our daily lives. Why do you think that is?
A: It’s not surprising at all to hear that! About 90% of American adults consume caffeine daily. People are looking for ways to boost their energy and increase alertness and caffeine is readily available and socially acceptable.

Q: So, what exactly is caffeine, and how does it work?
A: Caffeine is a natural stimulant that affects the central nervous system. After consumption, it’s absorbed into the bloodstream and travels to the brain, where it blocks the effects of adenosine—a chemical that promotes sleep. This interference helps you feel more alert and awake.

Caffeine typically reaches your brain within 15 minutes, peaks in the bloodstream at 30 to 120 minutes, and has a half-life of 3 to 7 hours.

Q: Everyone knows that coffee and many soft drinks contain caffeine. But where else can it be found? If we are consuming these beverages and other items, how can we know the amount of caffeine we are getting?
A: Energy drinks have become very popular—especially among young adults. These contain not only caffeine, but may also have added sugars, so it’s a double whammy. Chocolate and many varieties of tea also contain caffeine. You may also want to check out any nutrition supplements or medications you are taking. And, many people may not realize it, but even decaf coffee contains a certain amount of caffeine.

How Much Caffeine Am I Really Getting

Q: How much is too much when it comes to caffeine?
A: For most healthy adults, the FDA says up to 400 mg per day is safe. That’s about 4 cups of coffee. But you need to remember, that’s based on an 8 oz cup. Many people order an extra-large coffee, so you need to be aware of exactly how much you are taking in. Each individual reacts differently to caffeine based on their genetics, medications, and sleep habits.

How Much Is Too Much? Make Sure You Know Your Limits.

Q: What are the current trends in caffeine consumption?
A: As I mentioned before, energy drinks are increasing in popularity. They haven’t taken over coffee in the top spot, but Americans spent $19.2 billion on them in 2023 and that’s expected to rise to $33 billion by 2030. Coffee remains at the top, accounting for 69% of total caffeine intake, an increase of 15% in the last decade. And while the number of tea drinkers has dropped by 50%, those who drink it are consuming more.

Current Caffeine Consumption Trends.

Q: How can I be more aware about the amount of caffeine I’m getting?
A: Mindful consumption of caffeine is being intentional about what, when, and how much you consume. Track your intake and pay attention to any potential unwanted side effects like jitters or difficulty getting to sleep or staying asleep. Are you sleeping 6-8 hours a night and waking refreshed? If not, consider a “hard stop” 10 hours before your bedtime. Remember, that cup of coffee you had at 8 am can potentially still be in your system at 5 pm, so it’s important to time it right. And finally, if you decide you want to reduce your caffeine consumption, do it slowly to minimize any withdrawal symptoms such as headaches.

Be Mindful of Your Caffeine Consumption.

Q: Sometimes though, you need extra energy when you hit that afternoon slump. Can you suggest any alternative ways to get that boost and avoid turning to caffeine?
A: There are a few simple ways you can get that energy boost. First, make sure you are hydrated. Water supports joint health, oxygen delivery, temperature regulation, skin health, and more. You also want to move—even a short walk or stretch break can help. Make sure your meals are balanced with a protein and complex carbs. And most importantly, rest and recover. Sometimes rest—not more coffee—is what your body needs.

How Can I Boost My Energy Naturally.

Q: So, what are your final thoughts on caffeine?
A:  Caffeine can be part of a healthy lifestyle and may even offer some health benefits—but it’s all about balance and awareness. If you’re reaching for that third cup of coffee at 3 pm, pause and ask: Am I actually tired, hungry, or just in a habit? And then give one of the things we talked about a try, to get that energy boost naturally and see if that caffeine craving goes away.

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