Workplace Messaging and Texting
Instant messaging (IM) and texting have become powerful communication tools. Both are used to quickly exchange short messages and can be sent by handheld devices. Understanding the proper protocol for IM and texting in the workplace will increase your professional credibility and improve your communication.
IM allows you to (with e-mail/ asynchronously/ in real time?) and is like a (memo/text telephone call?).
Consider the scenario, and then answer the question.
Your supervisor is considering allowing you and your coworkers to use IM. He is interested in how IM works and asks you to identify the benefits of using IM in the workplace.
What benefits will you mention to your supervisor? Check all that apply.
IM allows for the speedy recovery of lost documents.
IM enables real-time communication anywhere in the world.
IM is a convenient alternative to the telephone.
Instant messaging and texting can save time and simplify communication with coworkers and customers. Before using either on the job, however, be sure you have permission. If your organization does allow IM or texting, you should follow best practice guidelines.
Which option is the best practice to avoid security issues?
Respect receivers by using good grammar and proper spelling.
Make yourself unavailable when you need to complete a project or meet a deadline.
Do not send confidential or sensitive information via IM or text.
Read the following scenario, and answer the question.
Jeanne is one of two employees of the same name at her company. One day while she is talking to her supervisor, she receives a text message that she knows is not meant for her but for her colleague of the same name. The message asks her whether she thinks her team is ready to move forward with a new design project. She stops the conversation with her supervisor to respond to the message with the following text: “I don't really know, but my guess is that the team needs to further analyze the project before moving forward.” She then resumes her conversation with her supervisor.
A few minutes later, Jeanne sees that she has not received a response to her message, so she sends another message that says, “Hello? Did you get my response?”
Which texting guidelines does Jeanne ignore in this situation? Check all that apply.
Don’t use text messages to notify others of sad news or sensitive business matters.
Alert the sender when the sender has sent you a message by mistake.
Don’t text in inappropriate situations.
Don’t expect an instant reply.