We are always connected. In fact, we are the generation that saw the transition from cordless phones to mobiles and then smart phones. Each device brought us closer to being connected all the time. Now we can boast of “being connected” no matter where we are.
For good reason, though, over time, WhatsApp has quite comfortably (almost) replaced normal short messaging services.
The primary reasons include being able to exchange both text and media files using data, being able to connect (and now call) contacts using data, quicker delivery and response time, convenience and cost effectiveness among others.
We prefer to WhatsApp someone. In fact, many times while at work, colleagues tell me to WhatsApp the person who isn’t answering their phone. Not call, not message, WhatsApp him. Or her.
Now the thing with WhatsApp is that people find you everywhere. They can see if you’ve read your message and see if it’s delivered or not. WhatsApp allows other users to also see when you last checked the app. Thank God they can’t find your location though, yet! All of this can be worked around if you install another version of WhatsApp (like WhatsApp ) or if you toy around with your privacy settings on the version you already have.
Here are a few simple things a working professional should probably keep in mind when communicating on WhatsApp:
A decent profile picture
We love changing our pictures and updating our statuses. Unless you have a separate contact number for friends and family and another one exclusively kept for professional purposes, it pays to stick to decent, smart, standard profile pictures and statuses. A revealing picture, or something that is plain indecent will just give colleagues food for thought.
Reply is a courtesy, always acknowledge
If you have received a work related message and are tied up with something else, a quick acknowledgement would also work. A simple “yes”, “no” or “call you back” will prevent other professionals from wondering why you aren’t responding on time.
Let “details” be exchanged by mail
In today’s age, rest assured, if the matter is urgent, someone is going to WhatsApp you about it. But if you start sharing and discussing “details” on projects, events, work related matters on WhatsApp, you are inviting more confusion into your life. Try to exchange important points via email.
Personalize / privatize your settings
Some people aren’t aware enough while some others may be. Play around with the privacy settings on your WhatsApp app and you can easily prevent unknown users from seeing your profile picture, status, "last seen" time and much more.
Here are some tips for when you are part of office groups on Whatsapp
-Avoid long messages about personal problems
-Avoid being part of rumour and gossip sessions
-Hash out issues with fellow colleagues privately and not on the group
-Exchange mainly company / office related matters, not forwards