I’ve noticed some strange etiquette that seems to be plaguing my workplace.

It’s been going on for a long time, but now that I’ve explicitly noticed it it’s really starting to bother me. It’s this:

Every phone call seems to be preceded by an IM or an email, asking if a phone call is acceptable. If the call initiator feels that there’s going to be more than a few minutes of content, then it’s not at all unusual for them to book the call in a half hour slot on your calendar, often with conference line information included so everyone can avoid the “what’s the best number to call you at?” pre-conversation. Sometimes that meeting invite is also preceded by an IM or an email asking if it’s acceptable to set up some time.

Does this happen in every workplace, or is it some unique etiquette that’s grown into the culture of just mine?

I’ve been as guilty of this behaviour as anyone else in the past, but I’m working to stamp it out now.

Here’s the deal: if you want to call me, just call. If it turns out you’re doing so at an inopportune time and I’m busy with other things, my voicemail will give you some appropriate options. And the best number to reach me at? That would be the one that appears beside my name in the corporate directory.

What strange etiquette rules exist where you work?