Toilet Talk Needs to GO!

The Public Service Announcement could be "Just DON'T Do It."

I was in a restaurant's public toilet last week and a woman in the next stall was discussing specific data and spreadsheets with a coworker on her cell phone.  Not only was it obvious the conversation would have been more productive in person, it was awkward for several people within earshot, and may have been a data breach.  Wow.

Sure, the urge to multitask is strong.  We are all feeling the time crunch in our modern work environments.  However, other than brief conversational comments with colleagues in passing, the bathroom should be off-limits for work, especially for phone calls!   Here are 5 reasons why talking in the toilet is bad for business:

1. A flushing toilet should be a conversation killer. Have you found yourself in situations where you think "if I flush now, we won't be able to hear each other." That's your queue that you should have said, "Can I call you back in a few minutes?"

2. It is unprofessional -and rude.  What would Miss Manners say about this travesty to social etiquette?  If I am having a conversation with you via phone and I can perceive that you are in the bathroom, I am going to be offended. Likewise, I would feel rude reciprocating. If are having a long chat, and need to go, ask if you can call them back after a bit.

3. It is NOT quiet, for either party on the phone.  If you believe the bathroom stall is the quietest place to talk, try again. If it's that loud, go outside or switch from verbal to text, email, or messaging.

4. Focus on the task at hand.  The toilet was created for one thing; maybe just give the rest of you a break while you use it.  Speaking of which, if you're that addicted to your phone, it might benefit from a break too.  It's a great time for a re-start to keep the OS and apps running better.

5. Keep hands free. Almost 1 in 5 cell phone users have dropped their phone in a toilet!  Chances are good that you won't drop your phone or do something else stupid if you aren't using one hand to hold your phone.  Also, consider the germs possibly transferred to your phone...Ewww.  Don't even think about speakerphone!  Secure it safely in a pocket or handbag. 

If you still feel you MUST do it, consider the following:  Leave talking in the toilet to situations where it truly cannot wait, although frankly it's hard to imagine this type of double emergency.  And then, if at all possible, make use of the mute button on your phone to be at least somewhat less rude/unprofessional.

To your continued professional success,
Heather A Legge