Cell Phone Etiquette at the workplace

Hard to imagine, eh?  Not so much for me, but that's because my family was anti-technology until my car broke down 2 hours away from home, and I had to walk to the nearest gas station, up hill, in the rain, with no shoes on...(isn't that how the story goes)?  But in all seriousness, cell phones are almost like another appendage of our bodies these days, and I think we all sometimes forget to be respectful to others when using our beloved cells.  About.com offers some rules to abide by when it comes to cell phones at work.

Turn your ringer off or set it to vibrate.  You may like to hear, "Hit me baby, one more time" repeatedly throughout the day, but your co-workers may not!  If they wanted to hear that, they'd probably just turn on the radio.

Use cell phones for important calls only.  This is a tip that some people have a hard time with.  What classifies as an important call to me is probably different from the next guy.  Your neighbor calling to tell you that your house is on fire is an important phone call.....your best friend calling to ask you for dating advice is not. 

Voicemail is your friend.  While you're working, you should be doing just that.  WORKING!  You don't have to answer every call.  Let it go to voicemail.  If it's something that needs immediate attention, call the person back.

Leave the room when taking or making a personal phone call.  Be respectful to your co-workers.  Even if it's not something private that you're discussing, your co-workers don't need you distracting them.

Don't talk on your phone in the bathroom.  This is my favorite.  I love going into a public restroom and hearing some lady yell at her boyfriend while she's taking care of business.  Imagine being on the other end of the phone....GROSS!

Leave your cell phone at the desk.  If you're headed into a meeting, don't take your cell phone with you unless it applies to the job.  Your attention should be on what is being discussed, not who could call in at any minute.