Office workers must mind their manners when using IM
Just as with other forms of communication such as e-mails and the telephone, there is some etiquette involved in using instant messaging (IM).
Many are common sense things such as being polite and considerate. 'It's not much different from using e-mails or the phone,' said Sarah McGovern, director of corporate practice at Edelman Hong Kong. 'You need to remain professional and courteous at all times. It comes down to applying the same etiquette that you would with other forms of written communication, for example letters, e-mails, memos or faxes.'
Staying professional is key when using IM in the workplace because these chats can be stored and redistributed, often with dire consequences if the wrong things have been said. 'What is written can be read by anybody else, so you can't abuse it. We trust our people to use their judgment and common sense when using IM,' Ms McGovern said.
Governance is also an important issue to consider in any organisation that uses IM extensively.
'How you control it boils down to policy, the dos and don'ts. Companies need a culture of personal responsibility and trust,' said Karen Kwan, a director at Hudson Singapore. 'Staff need to be responsible about using IM appropriately and not abuse it.'