Tips For Using Technology in Office Support Jobs
Employees that work in offices know that the use of technology is common place. Technology in office support jobs can be misused. We are all guilty of misusing the office copier or computer from time to time, but there are some instances where it becomes bothersome for those that work around you. Keeping the office as professional as possible can often be easier said than done. We really have to think about what we are doing when we hit reply all in an email or have our cell phone on our desk buzzing or ringing continually with notifications. Here are some tips so that you can keep your office support job free from these common office blunders.
For some, headphones in the office while filing or doing something is a must. Unfortunately, it is considered to be rude or impolite to walk through the office with your headphones in. Studies actually show that employees are more likely to make filing mistakes while listening to music. Not only can it cause you to make mistakes, it can cost you a relationship, a promotion, or a job. Think twice before listening to music in the office because it could mean the difference between productivity and the unemployment line. Office noise is one of the most common things to keep people distracted while they work. The phones are the most noisy piece of technology in the office and having things a certain way can save you a lot of trouble.
Tip: If you need to listen to music in the office to stay sane, then keep only one headphone in when listening. You should also keep your headphones at your desk.
Phone Etiquette
As soon as you get into the office you should mute your cell phone. If you need to take a call while at work, try to make it as short as possible and move into an area where you will not distract your co-workers with the noise. The noise might not even come from your personal cell phone. The worst thing you could do is to have a long personal phone call using the company phone. The same rules apply. Keep it short and to the point. The phone is a small piece of the distraction puzzle compared to the computer.
Tip: Keep your phone on vibrate in your pocket or put your cell phone in “Do Not Disturb Mode.” You can set this mode for a period of time during the day. This can be set to when you start and end or up until you normally go on break.
Google The Day Away
It is very easy to jump onto google these days and get distracted with some article. The internet is filled with tons of content to keep you from doing what you need to get done! It can get so bad that employers often block certain content to keep people productive. Resist the urge and keep yourself productive.
Tip: To avoid getting distracted by Google keep your browser windows to a minimum. Only look something up if you have to.
Office Support Distractions
If it distracts you, it certainly will distract someone else. Office support jobs are filled with people who can provide office support by completing duties like bookkeeping, clerical, managing the reception desk, and basic tasks of an administrative assistant. If you’re distracting someone from completing their work you’re providing the exact opposite of support.
Keep these things in mind the next time you’re in the office. Does anything distract you in your office? Let us know in the comments below.