TECH TALK: 10 Places That Should be Declared Tech Free Zones

Saw an interesting sign today (pictured right) and thought – what a great idea!  Imagine being on the other side of the counter trying to provide the best customer service to a client who is on their phone.

Sounds like just another trip to the food court at lunchtime and some may think does the person taking your order really care?  Whether or not they do, it’s just plain rude and finally someone is showing “the right sign.”

Here is a list of places that should carry the same sign and be deemed “tech free zones.” Add to our list by responding back to this blog or on social media – links below.

1.  When you are at the doctor/dentist/health care provider’s office. Imagine getting the wrong file or diagnosis because you weren’t paying attention when checking in or vice versa.

2.  At the grocery store.  Ask the cashier how their day is going instead of gesturing if you want bags for your products while fishing around for the right amount of change for five minutes while dishing out the day’s dirt to your favourite drama queen friend and 15 other people waiting in line behind you.  “Girl … you won’t believe what my boss did today!” Newsflash – no one cares.

3. Bathroom – no matter how multi-skilled you are, it’s not only rude, it’s disgusting. Nobody needs to hear you doing your business on the other line and especially in the next stall.

4.  Sales people. When you walk into a furniture store or to buy a vehicle – at any point when the salesperson walks away or stands there to take a call mid-sentence is just bad business practice. Even if they ask or prewarn with the “I just have to take this for a minute,” it just screams that there is someone more important than you right now. Same goes for the buyer – if it’s a big-ticket item then maybe answer emergency calls only.

5.  Drivers – cabbies, bus drivers, public transit or even limo drivers on their handsfree devices with passengers around or when you get into their vehicles for a ride. Again, sharing of conversations in small spaces can be awkward – especially if the driver doesn’t realize you speak the same language!

6.  Day care/school when picking up or droppping off kids.  Would you ask a teaher to get off their phone?  No, you would be annoyed the teacher/day-care provider was even distracted on the phone with dozens of kids around.

7.  Clothing store - walking into a store while the clerk(s) is on the phone or in a deep conversation with another employee. Awkward moment when no one asks if you need help and the best is when they are trash talking the boss. True story, just happened last week. This is why most customers will walk out even if they don’t need help. Not getting any attention as a consumer is just bad customer service and the body language says it all.

8.  Any meal time – at home, eating out, with friends, family or even alone. Not only is it a choking hazard to eat and talk at the same time but also just a plain rude way to catch up at the end of the day. ”Yeah, yeah keep talking. I can text and listen at the same time.” Just not cool.

9.   Movie theatre – this includes texting and yes not everyone thinks their phones are part of the rule to be turned off. My texts are important.

10.  Dates, business meetings or serious talk time.  Unless, of course, someone just dropped a brilliant quote that needs to be tweeted out right this second.

P.S. If you are one of those who still thinks it’s OK to sneak in a phone call or text session while driving, please know that there is no call or text more important than the drivers you get to share the road with.  www.Dropitanddrive.com

Kuljeet Kaila is a Vancouver-based journalist and social media expert for technology solutions providers Matrix and Logiix

(The opinions expressed here are that of the writer alone and do not represent any of the associations mentioned)

Tags: behavour, cheque the tech at the door, consideration, ethics, habits, human nature, no phone zones, place not to be on your smartphone, polite, rude, technology, technology addiction