Open communication in the office is essential to the growth of the company and the workers as well. Workplace communication covers huge ground; it can be socialization through coffee breaks or corporate parties or even network chat within your floors – and yes, (I’m going there) text messaging. In the tech-centric world of today, text messaging is fast becoming the more preferred manner of communicating and is almost commonplace among colleagues. Though the convenience of constant text messaging with co-workers is now widely accepted, the crucial question is: Is it appropriate to text the bosses? Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward yes or no answer to that; but here are some occasions and circumstances when it’s considered OK to text your boss.

1. Instant updates. If you are someone who works on field or constantly travels, updates on your work through text messaging is quite valid. Daily updates of your whereabouts, especially work related ones, would be highly appreciated by your boss. For instance, sending updates about the meeting with a client or a deal you have just closed. This reassures your boss that you are indeed working and making an effort to keep him/her in the loop.

2. Calling in sick. If you suddenly/unexpectedly feel too ill to work, it’s OK to send your boss a text message explaining that you can’t make it to work. Try to be as formal as the text message would allow. Remember to send the message at least a couple of hours or so before begins so your boss doesn’t freak out unnecessarily. I’d say follow it up with a phone call to HR also.

3. Urgent family concerns. Your kid got into trouble in school and your presence is required. Unfortunately, your boss is right in the middle of a close-door meeting. Drop your boss a text message about the emergency. This is reasonable and your boss is inclined to understand the urgency of the situation. If you are able to get back to work on that same day, immediately explain to the boss in person what had happened. Of course, an apology is expected at this juncture.

4. Stuck in traffic. If you are stuck in traffic and there’s every indication that you’re going to be late for work, a text message informing the boss about your predicament and that you’re going to be five to ten minutes late can be a good idea. Just don’t forget to personally apologize in your boss’ office as soon as you arrive.

5. Social invites. Inviting your boss over to your house or for a drink along with some of your co-workers through text can be acceptable, depending on the kind of environment you all work in. Some bosses prefer to maintain a friendly environment at work that extends to outside of the workplace. This is a good sign that s/he won’t mind getting a text message.

In today’s world where almost everything revolves around technology, text messaging can be a powerful and helpful form of communication. Don’t forget though, that it may not always be OK to use it with the boss – remember that s/he’s still the boss. So, unless it’s critical and dire, the email or phone may still be the better choice.

Have you ever sent a text message to your boss? We’d love to hear how s/he took it.

Tags: job, job tips, jobs, Personal Branding, professional

This entry was posted on Friday, August 6th, 2010 at 2:17 pm and is filed under Free Advice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.