more and more companies are using
instant messaging or I am for short it's
a convenient tool for one-on-one
conversations and group discussions
whether your company uses slack Google
Hangouts HipChat
or some other IM app they'll probably
have certain expectations for how
instant messaging should be used in the
office some are more relaxed using it to
share jokes or funny pictures alongside
work related projects however some
workplaces expect instant messaging to
be strictly professional use only for
official business until you know what's
acceptable keep all messages business
friendly just to be safe for instance if
you're asking for something out of the
blue it's polite to greet the person
you're messaging and ask if they're free
before making your request if they're
busy ask when a good time would be to
catch up before you send a message
though it's a good idea to check the
recipients availability status first if
someone has set their status - do not
disturb for example respect the status
and don't send them a message unless
it's urgent when sending a message to
someone who's available though remember
that instant messages are best used for
quick communication keep your messages
brief and specific if a conversation
begins to ramble on suggest meeting in
person to maintain an efficient work
environment now unlike emails or phone
conversations instant messaging does
have one cork when it comes to ending a
conversation if everything in the
discussion has been resolved there's
usually no need to post a farewell
message such as nice to talk to you
goodbye
often a brief thanks is more than enough
once you get the feel of instant
messaging it can be a unique and
versatile tool whether you're asking for
updates on a project or wishing your
co-workers a happy weekend