DIGITAL DISTRACTION: CIO Survey: Tech Gadgets Contributing to Decline in Workplace Etiquette
Post date: May 07, 2013 5:3:15 PM
MENLO PARK, Calif., May 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Technology is one of the most effective ways to bring people together at work, but it may also be causing a digital divide, a new Robert Half Technologysurvey of chief information officers (CIOs) suggests. Sixty-four percent of CIOs said higher use of mobile gadgets such as cellphones and tablets have led to more breaches in workplace etiquette over the last three years. That's up from 51 percent who said the same thing in a similar survey three years ago.
The survey is based on more than 2,300 telephone interviews with CIOs from a random sample of U.S. companies in 23 major metro areas with 100 or more employees. Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of IT professionals on a project and full-time basis.CIOs were asked, "In your opinion, what effect has the increased use of mobile electronic gadgets -- such as cellphones, smartphones, handheld devices and laptops -- had on workplace etiquette in the past three years? Have the number of breaches in workplace etiquette increased, decreased or remained the same?" Their responses*:
* Numbers may not total 100 percent due to rounding.
"As mobile devices have become increasingly integrated into the workplace, they've helped us become more productive, but they also can serve as a round-the-clock distraction," said John Reed, senior executive director of Robert Half Technology. "If you're not fully engaged in a conversation or meeting, you may spend more time replying to emails than listening, for example."
Added Reed: "These devices can also make it easier to mistakenly offend colleagues when you fire off a communication too quickly, or use the wrong medium for the message."
Robert Half Technology suggests avoiding these four things to remain in the good graces of your colleagues and manager:
About Robert Half Technology
With more than 100 locations worldwide, Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers online job search services atwww.rht.com . Follow Robert Half Technology at www.twitter.com/RobertHalfTech .
SOURCE Robert Half Technology