Business Etiquette : Conference Call Courtesy

Conference calls - love them or hate them, with today's geographically dispersed teams, travel restrictions and global business connections, conference call etiquette is a key part of any professional’s skill set. Follow the rules for making these multi-person, worldwide conversations efficient, effective and courteous.

Be on time. A conference call is like any other meeting—arriving late is rude. And don’t take up everyone else’s valuable time with your long-winded excuse.

Start the meeting on time. Take a roll call so everyone knows who else is present. Say your name before you speak. Others may not recognize your voice.

No lurking is allowed on conference calls. Always announce yourself when you come on the line. For the sake of propriety, courtesy and confidentiality, advise the others that you are present.

Finally, if you were not invited, don’t show up.

Business Etiquette: Speaker Phones

Business Etiquette: 'Speaker Phones’

International Business Etiquette Expert and Executive Coach

Speaker phones are a great tool in business for making conference calls, but they can also be an incredible nuisance. Be considerate of people around you when using yours. In today’s world of offices without walls or doors, speaker phones should only be used behind closed doors.

The speaker phone function is not intended for your convenience so you can engage in a variety of activities while talking on the phone. Think of the effect on the people who are trying to work in adjacent cubicles and consider the privacy of the person on the other end of the line. Then schedule a conference room or borrow someone else’s private office before you dial.

A(H1N1): Basic Hygiene Procedures and Important Precautions

Worldwide, overall H1N1 and seasonal influenza/flu activity remains low. In places where the winter season is in progress, current influenza/flu activity is at variable levels. World Health Organization (WHO) is actively monitoring the progress of the pandemic (H1N1) and is in frequent consultations with different countries.

With the monsoon season and heavy rains in several parts of the country, there have been cases of A(H1N1) viral infection detected in the second phase of the pandemic.  Health experts have indicated the possibility of surge in the cases in coming days with faster transmission of the virus in this season. Hence, it is advisable that all of us follow basic health & safety measures to protect ourselves.

The symptoms of A(H1N1) are similar to normal seasonal flu. Wipro advises employees to consult a general physician/ a family doctor immediately in case of any flu like symptoms. Further, A(H1N 1) confirmation tests should be done only at the advice of general physician/ family doctor. These tests are done at the designated hospitals (select government and private hospitals). The updated Pandemic Advisory and list of hospitals is available at the Channel W link given at the end of this mailer. 

It is possible to protect yourself and others from A(H1N1) by observing simple hygiene measures and taking appropriate medication in case of illness. 

Basic Hygiene Procedures:

• Wash hands with soap and water more often and thoroughly

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash your hands. The tissue is disposable hence preferable to use over a handkerchief

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent the spread of germs

• Try to avoid close contact with infected people

• Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious food

• If you have flu symptoms stay home and avoid crowds to prevent spread of  

   Infection

• Do not take any medicines without consulting doctors

Be safe, healthy and happy....