Workplace Challenges
Mixed reviews on e-mail during meetingsIs it OK to check e-mail during meetings? A survey shows the verdict is still out, although many executives are doing it. |
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 [ 2007-08-01 ] |
© 2007 Jupiterimages Corporation
Seventy-one per cent of senior executives polled said it is common for professionals they work with to read and respond to e-mail messages during meetings. However, close to half of this group (47%) disapprove of the practice.
Thirty-two per cent of respondents feel it's OK to respond to e-mail as long as the message is urgent; 15% said professionals should excuse themselves from the meeting before responding to e-mail.
The survey was developed by Robert Half Management Resources, and includes responses from 100 senior Canadian executives.
"The least disruptive option is to avoid using handheld e-mail devices during meetings, but that may not always be possible for executives who must be accessible," said Paul McDonald, executive director of Robert Half Management Resources. "Professionals who may have to check e-mail during gatherings should alert their hosts and be as unobtrusive as possible."
Robert Half Management Resources offers these additional tips for using mobile devices during meetings:
- Be discreet. If you need to bring your mobile device to a meeting, set it on vibrate to avoid disturbing other attendees or the meeting leader.
- Consider your audience. Your co-workers may be more forgiving of your need to respond to e-mail than a client, for example, so adjust your e-mail activity accordingly.
- Respond only if it's truly urgent. It's tempting to check every message that comes in, but avoid doing so unless there's a compelling reason.
- Step out of the room. If you receive an urgent message during a meeting, step quietly out of the room to reply.
- Know when to let go. Spending a considerable amount of time checking e-mail will make those you are with feel unimportant.
It's better to bow out of a meeting altogether than be distracted during most of it.
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