Whether it’s an iPhone or an Android, do you have a policy for smartphone use in meetings? The devices have become as much of workplace culture as a pen or a Stanley tumbler.
But do our phones hurt our performance in meetings? After all, that’s where big decisions need to be made or important information is shared. Are the devices nothing more than distraction roulette, at a time when focus is needed?
Smartphones have been a part of our world for more than 15 years, yet many have never considered how they should be handled at work. Recently, I polled my LinkedIn followers on smartphone use in meetings and here are the results:
- Put it down: 36%
- Use sparingly and quietly: 34%
- Work-related only: 22%
- Okay to check, it’s a tool: 8%
Let’s look a little closer at each choice and help you determine which might be the best approach for your team.
Put It Down
These people want your focus on the meeting and nothing else. They want you mentally present and not distracted.
This may be a challenge, as many are conditioned to constantly check their phones out of a fear of missing out on something. It’s become second nature.
To get buy-in, you need to remind people that in almost all cases, the world will not end, if they take a break from their phones.
A strict smartphone use in meetings policy may also lead to more conversation among attendees. For instance, before the meeting, instead of checking their devices, they’ll have a chance to talk to one another.
Use Sparingly and Quietly
I would call this the we’re all adults option. In some cases, people may need to stay connected to their phones to do their jobs. Fast answers may be required for questions from outside the room.
But they are expected not to make whatever is happening on their device a distraction or problem for the other attendees. Any use is done very quietly.
And it’s important to remember that when you check your phone, you don’t become invisible. People will notice.
Work-related Only
For some, smartphone use blurs the line between work and home life. Family members may share important updates during the 8 to 5 time frame. Or you take a moment to buy something that is unexpectedly on sale.
In a world where many feel they are plugged into work all the time, you can understand why some people have no problem with addressing personal issues during office hours. After all, they may be expected to respond to work issues while they are at home.
But in meetings, many leaders do not want any outside distractions. It’s okay if you use your phone but only if it’s business related.
Okay to Check, It’s a Tool
In this scenario, smartphone use is seen as inevitable. From pulling up an email to looking up statistics, our devices can provide a lot of instant information.
This policy assumes people will use their phones in a productive manner or will not let outside interruptions become a distraction.
It is possible that at a certain point of a meeting, just about everyone could be on their smartphones. That’s not ideal for productivity.
But there also is an acceptance that our devices are too commonplace for any kind of restrictions.
Let’s Create a Memorable Meeting
