Smartphones have long been an integral part of our daily lives. But as soon as they appear on the table during meetings, many people take offense. A recent study from USC’s Marshall School of Business shows clearly: those who use their phones during meetings not only annoy their colleagues but also risk losing the trust of their superiors.
Numbers That Speak for Themselves
The survey questioned 554 working professionals in the United States — all earning at least $30,000 annually and employed at companies with more than 50 staff members. The results are clear:
86% consider it inappropriate to take calls during meetings.
84% disapprove of writing emails or text messages during meetings.
66% are bothered when smartphones are used even during business lunches.
Interestingly, the higher the income, the lower the tolerance for smartphone use at work. Women and people over 40 are especially sensitive to this behavior. Millennials, however, view the issue three times more leniently than older employees.
A Generational Divide in the Workplace
The study highlights a clear generational gap. While Millennials often see it as normal to glance at their phones, older colleagues place much greater value on undivided attention. For young professionals, this can quickly become a problem: their career prospects often depend heavily on the evaluation and support of experienced managers. Those perceived as disrespectful or distracted due to constant phone use risk missing important opportunities.
Why Smartphones Are So Disruptive
Researchers identified several reasons why many people disapprove of phone use in meetings:
Lack of respect: Checking a phone signals that outside contacts are more important than those present.
Lack of focus: Constant glancing at a phone makes one appear distracted and unable to concentrate.
Lack of listening: Active listening, a key element of teamwork, is lost.
Lack of self-control: Constantly responding to notifications resembles a Pavlovian response.
Lack of self-awareness: Many do not realize how disruptive their behavior looks.
Lack of social awareness: The effect on others is underestimated.
Emotional Intelligence at Work
Consulting firm TalentSmart tested over one million people worldwide and found that Millennials scored the lowest in self-awareness in the workplace. Yet this very skill — recognizing how one’s behavior affects others — is crucial for professional success.
What Companies Can Do
Smartphone use in meetings has become one of the most common employee complaints. Leaders should therefore establish clear rules. In many cases, it is enough to openly communicate expectations: “No phones during meetings.”
Some companies also employ creative solutions: a basket placed outside the conference room with a sign reading “Leave your phones at the door” — reminiscent of the Old West: “Leave your guns at the door.”
Conclusion
Research shows that constant phone use in meetings undermines not only one’s own reputation but also team dynamics. Attention, respect, and active listening form the foundation of effective collaboration. For Millennials, the message is especially clear: if you want to build a career, you need to learn when to put the smartphone down.
Smartphone meetings, workplace etiquette, Millennials careers, emotional intelligence, respect at work
#Career #Meetings #Smartphone #Workplace #Respect #Leadership
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