Text Message Sick...Acceptable Work Practice?

A new survey by free texting app textPlus shows certain workplace interactions - those typically reserved for a face-to-face or phone conversation - are taking place more and more over text message.

In early 2008 Jobacle wondered if texting in sick was career suicide.  According to these stats, it might be safer than we thought (though we definitely do not recommend it).

When it comes to college kids and recent grads (18-24 years old):

·  11% think it’s appropriate to ask for a raise via text

· 32% say it’s OK to “call in sick” to work via text (22% have actually done it)

· 11%  think it’s alright to quit a job via text

And as for the generation after that - the one raised on text messages (13-17 years old):

· 18% of 13-17 year olds think it’s appropriate to ask for a raise via text

· 51% think it’s OK to “call in sick” to work via text

· 20% think it’s alright to quit a job via text

You're probably thinking, what the hell do a bunch of teenagers know about work etiquette?!  And you are correct.  However, these are the next folks to enter the workforce, and in 10 years, they could be your boss.

Over the past year, I have had workers text me to tell me they won't be in.  While I have disocuraged the practice, as a boss, I secretly like it.  Listening to mesages of people calling in sick with their "sick" voice, is a waste of time for everyone.

What are your thoughts on texting in sick?  Will it ever be an accepted practice?

Comments

[Jennifer Brown Banks]

To each his own. I wouldn't do it, because technology isn't always 100% reliable. What if your message isn't received, or isn't checked right away?
In my mind, just because something is popular doesn't make it prudent.:-)

[Text Message]

This is a nice blog i must say, usually i don't post comments on others' blogs but would like to say that this post really forced me to do so!

[Auto Insurance Quotes]

Text messaging is one of the easiest ways to communicate. However, it may be the most informal and most discourteous way to contact your boss or any one higher than your position. If you are going to deal with employers might as well do every transaction personally not via text. Since this may cause further confusion and problems in the future.

[Grow With Stacy]

I've read other articles on the 'entitlement generation' who are entering into the workforce and who are soon to be in the work force.

It is really sad to read about, but what I think is even more sad is that a lot of their behaviors are being accepted in the workplace. I've read countless stories about parents going to interviews with their kids and parents calling their child's boss to yell at them for not giving them a raise.

This whole texing in sick doesn't surprise me, but with as convenient as texting is there are certain things that really should be left to direct conversation!

[Jeff Friend]

This is a great post! I can't believe those stats! But then again, text is becoming more and more commonplace. I know that recruiters will often text candidates in order to set up interview times or answer quick questions because these candidates are often at work and can't answer a phone call. It's a hastle for them to take a "bathroom break" to check the voicemail and call you back. Instead they can just quickly answer the text and move on with their day.

As far as texting in sick, I'm in agreement with you - don't waste my time with a "sick voice". Text or email is cool. But texting to resign from a job is a bit too much. I'm not sure they'd get a good recommendation after that. It might be burning a bridge, which is never good.

[Evelyn Pyebaker]

I do agree with Jennifer. I am not really sure that's first of all polite to message, even if it becomes quite normal. In my company such questions should be decided another way. May be your boss wouldn't like to hear your ,, sick voice'', but that's still not your friend to text about that. And yeah, you'd rather stay healthy!)

Take care,
Evelyn