Getting to Know the New Normal

It isn’t unusual to shop in a retail store and observe a check-out clerk checking her cell phone messages or texting in between customers. Any lull in activity and out come the cell phones. They lie in full view next to the cash register, where the clerk can keep a watchful eye, just in case an interesting Facebook post or Tweet comes through.

How individuals regard their cell phones is a whole new chapter in workplace etiquette. With the Baby Boomers retiring, it’s going to be important to understand the relationship younger generations have with their digital devices. Just how they act with or react to these devices is going to set the standard for the new etiquette, says a Business Insider article, “18-29-Year-Olds Use Their Phones Totally Different From Older People.” Business Insider used Survey Monkey to find out how 18-29 year olds use their cell phones, since how they use them will become the new normal. What they found may change what many think is rude behavior.

Several questions concerned whether the 18-29 year olds thought it was rude to answer a personal phone call while eating dinner with a friend. Ask an older person that question, and they would say it is very rude indeed. They may agree that even having a phone on the table or close enough to answer during dinner is rude.

Not surprisingly, almost all of the younger crowd didn’t think it was rude to answer the phone while dining with a friend, although most thought it was only “slightly acceptable (55percent). Only 15 percent thought it was unacceptable. So, get ready to be interrupted every time your friend’s phone rings while you’re having dinner together. And don’t expect an apology.

The survey asked the same question, only this time it was a business call interrupting dinner with a friend. Only 12 percent thought it was unacceptable to answer, and about 40 percent thought it was only moderately unacceptable to answer the business call. If it’s the boss on the line, or a co-worker, this group thinks it’s even more acceptable to answer the call.

Phone calls from the boss are one thing, but even the young people frown on checking Facebook or Twitter while dining with a friend. Almost half (45 percent) said it was not at all acceptable to interrupt dinner conversation to post or Tweet. That’s good news. 

Texting is another story. Almost 75 percent of survey respondents felt it was in some way acceptable to read or send text message while having dinner with a friend. Forty-five percent, however, found it only slightly acceptable, but still thought it was OK.

The survey changed the scenario from having dinner with a friend to a date and asked the same questions. Seems like ignoring a date to answer a phone call, check Facebook, Tweet or text is a big no-no. Doesn’t matter if it’s a personal or business call. The overwhelming response was it’s not the nice thing to do…unless the other person was in the bathroom. If they were out of sight, all the above were OK, as long as you quit when they came back to the table.

While voicemail is available on phones, most young people don’t leave voicemail messages. Not even one percent said they always leave a voicemail! While they don’t leave them, a solid 65 percent say they check voicemails every time they get one! So, if you want to get through to an 18-29 year old, leave a message. But don’t expect one back. The survey revealed that this group checks emails first thing in the morning, and then Facebook to see what’s happening.

This interesting survey had only 112 respondents and had more women than men. Though a small sample, it says something about what’s acceptable to this young group who are making the rule for the future. And, if you want to get their attention, send an email or leave a voice mail, but don’t expect one in return.

Photo Source: David Castillo Dominici / freedigitalphotos.net