Loud public calls tops list of phone etiquette offenses: survey

ATLANTA, UNITED STATES — A recent survey by YouGov, commissioned by virtual receptionist provider VoiceNation, highlighted the most significant phone etiquette faux pas, with talking loudly in public spaces emerging as the top offender. 

Around 79% of respondents expressed disapproval of this behavior, highlighting a widespread desire for quieter public environments.

Closely following, 72% of people find the use of speakerphones in shared environments inappropriate.

Ignoring basic courtesies

The survey revealed that 70% of respondents consider it rude to shift focus from a call to interacting with someone else without informing the person on the other end. 

Additionally, 66% find it unacceptable to skip greetings during a call, a practice that has become increasingly common.

VoiceNation Chief Executive Officer North America Richard Culberson said that the survey “backs up what we’ve been noticing during our call handling — young people are much less likely to say ‘hello’ or ‘goodbye’ and we wonder if this is due to ‘telephobia’ among the younger generations who are less confident or practiced in handling calls compared to older generations.”

Generational differences in phone behavior

The survey also highlighted generational differences in phone etiquette. Younger adults, particularly those aged 18 to 34, are more relaxed about the timing of calls. Almost half (45%) of this age group think late-night phone calls are acceptable, compared to only 9% of those over 55. Similarly, 51% of younger adults find early morning calls acceptable, while only 20% of older adults agree.

When it comes to greetings, over a third (35%) of 18 to 24-year-olds find it acceptable to start or end a call without a “hi” or “goodbye,” whereas only 25% of 35 to 54-year-olds and 18% of those over 55 feel the same way.

Gender disparities in phone manners

Additionally, the survey revealed gender differences in attitudes towards phone manners. A significant majority of women (86%) find it unacceptable to eat or chew loudly during a call, compared to 75% of men. Similarly, 84% of women disapprove of talking loudly on the phone in public places, while 74% of men share this sentiment.

VoiceNation’s survey underscores the importance of maintaining basic phone etiquette, regardless of age or gender. 

“We recommend using basic courtesy such as greetings, giving the person at the end of the phone your full attention, and lowering your tone when in a public place,” Culberson noted.

These simple practices help ensure more respectful and pleasant phone interactions for everyone.