Gadgets make for ruder workplace

Network World - While smartphones and laptops have made our lives easier, they have also apparently made us ruder.

A new survey of 1,400 CIOs conducted by Robert Half Technology shows that 51% of CIOs say that the availability of mobile electronic gadgets in the workplace has increased "breaches in workplace etiquette." Overall, 22% said that having more mobile gadgets in the office had reduced workforce etiquette significantly while 29% said that it had reduced etiquette somewhat. 42% of CIOs surveyed said that having more mobile gadgets in the office had not affected workforce etiquette whatsoever.

Never mind the b******t, swearing at work is a good thingDavid Willmer, the executive director of Robert Half Technology, says that the big reason for the increase in rudeness occurs because gadgets can be such big distractions for workers.

"Although the rules of etiquette vary from business to business, it's always a good idea to give people you're collaborating with your undivided attention," Willmer says. "The best communicators take time to consider the most appropriate medium for the message."

The firm identifies five major types of tech-related rudeness in its survey: multitaskers who e-mail or text message during company meetings; workers who send excessive e-mails rather than having face-to-face conversations; workers who talk on their phone loudly in all settings; workers who can't go anywhere without having their Bluetooth earpiece attached to their heads; and workers who let their phones vibrate without shutting them off during meetings.

Robert Half Technology conducted the study by surveying 1,400 CIOs of U.S. companies with 100 employees or more.