[cml]

Hello All,

Recently I have noticed a lot of people using or suggesting that it is good business to convey key contract issues or disputes via text.  i.e  Terminating a contract by text, texting your company to tell them you will not be available for work, discussing pay disputes by text. etc., it goes on.

Whilst I accept that texting could be used in some instances i.e. reminders, messages such as 'call the office' etc., I cannot get my head around using it purely to run a business agreeing/terminating contracts and solving employee disputes.  What is wrong with a telephone call, letter,  face to face meetings or  are these a thing of the past?  Am I just not with it and loosing the plot?!!!!

Texting sometimes remind me of the days when you did not want to go to work or speak with someone and you got a parent or friend to call in or speak on your behalf because you felt guity about doing it yourself. 

I look forward to your comments on this one with an open mind about texting.

[Adam P]

maybe the text suggestion is so you have proof of what was said just in case something goes wrong.

i liked to text customers i'm close with to say "can we change time/day etc, can you call me back when free" as i'm not putting them on the spot then, but anything other then that i'll call as it's more professional, and doesn't seem like i'm too scared and opting for the easy way out

[cml]

Am I right in guessing that most texting is therefore done amongst those mainly operating in domestic environment rather than a company.  Where there is more of a personal informal relationship? 

[drive surgeon]

i always text my custies and they like texting me. its cheaper than phoning. simple!   

[martin19842]

hi there

i think we have been sucked into the texting society, i have seen numerous examples of where employees either leave a voice mail, or text saying that they are not coming to work that day, because they are ill, and thenwhen you try to call them they dont answer or turn the phone off.

i do feel that it is a respect issue, and the lack of it, there are some people that think that going to work is a chore and that their employer should be pleased that they have got out of bed and gone to work.

whilst others have respect for their employers, and in return the employer then has respect for the employee.

regards

martin

[Adam P]

Am I right in guessing that most texting is therefore done amongst those mainly operating in domestic environment rather than a company.  Where there is more of a personal informal relationship? 

that is correct. I'd never consider texting a commercial customer. either phone them, visit them personally, or email. can't imagine someone who'd consider texting unless it was a friend of a friend etc.

[cml]

I agree that texting into work by employees is an issue. 
Recently I am told that employees are texting their Managers when ill, requesting holidays, and whatever else and then when trying to call them back their phones are unavailable. What possess them to go down this route? I get the feeling that they generally they think it's the norm to communicate via text whether it's a personal friend or work.  The professional conduct in regards to employee and employer relationship is declining. 

On the otherhand as pointed out above texting is used predominatly in a domestic environment where the relationship between clients is somewhat more personal I can just about reason with this but will struggle to send a text to any customer known personally or not.  I guess it would take some persuation.