Name_____________________________________________________ Period_______________

Workplace Texting Etiquette

Do and Don’t Actions
Complete the table by categorizing each action as a workplace texting do or don’t. Use each action
exactly one time.

Actions
• send texts without considering the time
• include name and contact information in the initial text
• use lots of abbreviations, symbols, and emojis
• double-check the intended recipient before sending it
• proofread it for grammar, autocorrect, and other errors
• get permission before texting customers
• follow up a text with numerous calls and emails
• write long, complicated texts
• use all capital letters
• respond promptly to work texts
• text while driving
• keep texts focused and professional
• use rude or inappropriate language
• learn your company’s texting policy

Do Don’t

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 Name_____________________________________________________ Period_______________

Workplace Texting Etiquette

Good and Bad Uses
Complete the table by categorizing each example as a good use or bad use of work-related texts.
Use each example exactly one time.

Examples
• provide a short answer or bit of information • gossip with coworkers about the boss
• send confidential or sensitive information • ask a simple question
• share inappropriate videos, jokes, or images • quit a job or express other bad news
• brainstorm with a large number of people • send a short update or alert
• confirm an appointment time or location • send a work-related photo or link
• send something that could be misinterpreted • use when a quick response is needed
• communicate when work phone or email is down • express a long or complicated idea

Good Use Bad Use

© 2021 Career and Employment Prep Workplace Texting Etiquette

 Name_____________________________________________________ Period_______________
Workplace Texting Etiquette
Multiple-Choice Questions
Circle the correct answer.
1. A worker sent a text asking a coworker
a question. What should the worker do
5 minutes later?
a. Wait for a response.
b. Send another text.
c. Send an email to the coworker
asking the same question.
d. Send a text to the coworker’s boss.
2. A service technician needs to alert a
customer that she will arrive in 15 minutes.
Which text should the technician send?
a. I’ll be at your house in 15 mins
b. Hi. This is Sara, a service technician
with ABC Repairs. I should be at
your house in 15 minutes.
c. Hi. This is Sara, a service technician
with ABC Repairs. C ya in 15. ☺
d. Hi. This is Sara, an HVAC tech
with ABC Repairs. I should be at
your house ASAP. Traffic is bad LOL
3. When is it appropriate to send a work text?
a. During a meeting or conversation
b. During normal business hours
c. While operating a forklift
d. All of the above
4. Which term is acceptable to include in
a work-related text?
a. Thanks
b. Please
c. Thank you
d. All of the above
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5. Which text to a coworker could be
misinterpreted because the tone of the
question is not clear?
a. What time is the safety meeting?
b. How many t-shirts were sold today?
c. Who works the night shift tonight?
d. What were you thinking?
6. In which situation is texting an effective
form of workplace communication?
a. Discussing options with 15 workers
b. Brainstorming and debating ideas
c. Exchanging confidential information
d. None of the above
7. Which is a true statement about workplace
texts?
a. Texts always remain private between
the sender and recipient.
b. Some companies require work texts
be sent using a work-issued phone.
c. It is always acceptable to send
personal texts using a work-issued
phone.
d. Workers cannot be fired for violating
company texting policies.
8. In which situation is texting an effective
form of workplace communication?
a. To help locate workers after a fire
b. While driving a car to a work site
c. During a safety training meeting
d. To criticize a coworker’s job
performance
Workplace Texting Etiquette
 Name_____________________________________________________ Period_______________

Workplace Texting Etiquette

True or False Questions
Identify each statement about workplace texting as true or false.

1. ________ People tend to respond more quickly to texts than to emails or voice messages.

2. ________ Because the recipient of a text cannot see the sender’s facial expressions or body
language, the tone of a text can be misinterpreted.

3. ________ If it is work-related, people should feel safe texting personal information such as social
security numbers and bank account information.

4. ________ Because texting is so common, all customers prefer to be contacted by text rather than
by telephone or email.

5. ________ If a supervisor texts a coworker during normal business hours, the worker should reply
within a few minutes.

6. ________ Some companies have policies regarding work and personal texting while on the job.

7. ________ Because texting is a less formal type of business communication, the sender does not
need to worry about spelling, grammar, punctuation, or content errors.

8. ________ When texting a customer for the first time, workers should introduce themselves and
provide contact information because the customer may not have them in a contact list.

9. ________ Work-related texts must be very formal, and they should never be written in a friendly
or warm manner.

10. ________ A text message is a good way for a worker to discuss job performance issues or to
negotiate a salary with a supervisor.

11. ________ Do not click on a link in a text message unless you are absolutely certain it is safe.

12. ________ Workers who text do not need to learn about other forms of workplace communication.

13. ________ A group text can become time-consuming and ineffective if too many people are on it.

14. ________ Sending brief, informative texts and responding quickly to incoming texts make
a worker appear professional and competent.

15. ________ Send a text if an email or voice message on the issue has not be answered immediately.

© 2021 Career and Employment Prep Workplace Texting Etiquette