#CoworkerBlunders #WorkplaceEtiquette #ProfessionalBoundaries
Today, a new (< 1 month) coworker gave me her number over Microsoft Teams. I didn't ask for it; she just gave it to me. She said, 'Soooo if you ever need to reach me, here's my number 123-456-7810.' Then, she mentioned she didn't want to bug me outside of work hours. 🤨 To me, I thought that meant she wanted to talk to me about work and didn't want it on the work system, because who does that? I don't think she was hitting on me because we've barely spoken and work in different countries. Regardless, I spoke to my girlfriend before I reached out because I wanted to make sure we were aligned. Then I reached out and got nothing back... lol 🤷♂️ ## Understanding the Situation So, what is that about? 🤔 Tell me your thoughts. ### Addressing the Issue If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are some practical solutions to navigate coworker interactions:
1. Clarify Intentions
– It’s essential to communicate openly and clearly with your coworker to understand their intentions behind giving you their number. Ask for clarification if needed.
2. Set Boundaries
– Establish clear boundaries with your coworker regarding communication outside of work hours to maintain a professional relationship.
3. Respect Relationships
– If you are in a committed relationship, ensure that any interactions with coworkers are transparent and respectful of your partner’s feelings.
Conclusion:
Navigating workplace dynamics can sometimes be challenging, especially when faced with unexpected situations like a coworker giving you their number. By addressing the issue head-on and setting boundaries, you can maintain a professional relationship while ensuring clear communication with your coworkers. Remember to respect your relationships and prioritize open communication to avoid any misunderstandings. Stay professional and handle the situation with tact and diplomacy. 🤝
she gave you a fake number. there is no area code 123.
To me, the “soooo” is a red flag.
She’s definitely trying to hit on you to bait you. Call HR!
My female colleague gave me her number as well. It’s mostly for out of work channels in case we need to discuss things that don’t want IT or managers to see.
Don’t think too much of it.
There are occasions where discussions will be desired where there is no record. No way of anyone proving anything. Phone calls outside of the system are not a bad option
Wtf
I WhatsApp with my work bestie all the time about stuff we don’t want on teams
On my first day, female coworker introduced herself and sat in my cube to talk. She was cute but was wearing a wedding ring. After a few minutes she asked if I was married and I replied I was. She just up and left right then and there. She ended up getting a divorce about 5 years later
I’m not sure where you go call me at home tonight from “in case you need to reach me”. That sounds more like she just gave it to you in case you need to reach her for a work issue
It used to be pretty normal when I first started working to share your phone number with coworkers so we could contact each other about covering shifts.
People have gotten much more protective over their cell phone numbers. It’s kind of a big deal for most people to change their number, so I understand not wanting to give it to the wrong person.
But in all seriousness, the average person really can’t do a whole lot with that information. Block someone if you don’t like them having your number works 9/10.
12345678… 10?! WTF!!!
The ship have sailed and you’re still standing at the dock.
maybe u can do her and ur gf but at the same time??
Even delivery women give me their number to get back in case of issues. It’s professionalism i guess.
Teams chats can be monitored by IT. Even the “private” ones.
> here’s my number 123-456-7810
She gave you a fake number, dude. Sorry! 😭
Seems like she was just giving you her number in case you actually needed it for work, during work hours, not for you to actually turn around and call her for no reason that day…that’s awkward.
Idk.. unsolicited. Maybe you should send a dick pick, just to be safe.
She is just trying to bond on a more personal level, she doesn’t want the d. You are blowing it out of proportion. Shouldn’t have told your girlfriend too, now you are on the watch list for nothing.
I have a few of my coworker’s numbers, they’re super handy when I don’t know if the upcoming 3 day weekend is an observed company holiday or not.
Just be careful what you write to a coworker, and goes without saying no relationship or flirting with coworkers, even if she attempts, dont return the flirting
If she’s from another country, she is giving you her number so you have it for WhatsApp. Most of the world functions on WhatsApp, both for personal and business purposes.
She likely doesn’t have Teams on her mobile phone – why would you if everyone uses WhatsApp already? Thus, she gave you her number so you can contact her on her mobile via WhatsApp.
PS: if you sent a text she likely did not receive it or will never respond. Download WhatsApp and message her again.
I have the personal phone numbers of everyone I work closely with, totally normal
Don’t shit where you eat is all I’ll say. GL man
This is entirely normal, and means nothing on its own. My phone is clogged with numbers of coworkers past and present. I wouldn’t think anything of it at all.
I exchange number with colleagues all the time, as Whatsapp is way more convenient than the bloodsucker called Microsoft team.
If you need your girlfriend’s permission to talk to a female colleague, then it is your issue.
I hate using teams. Literally hate it. I work for a restaurant chain with 57 restaurants and I open new restaurants for them. 3/4s of the stores don’t understand how to use teams so they send questions in some all chat and gum everything up. And I have so many different stores teams on my phone it gets annoying. That being said I have been giving every important person in corporate my phone number to make life easy bc I have teams muted on my phone. So far only the IT guy and COO really texts me and avoids teams lol but it’s probably just her letting you know to contact her that way if you need and I for one prefer good ol’ text
I have work friends (guys and girls). We exchange numbers so we can text/talk about work off the record, vent about coworkers/managers/office policies/etc. We still use Teams/Slack/whatever to talk about work work.
Probably work related only
Maybe it’s a different work culture, but I have basically everyone on my team’s phone numbers. I don’t text them often, but do occasionally. The conversations have been both work related and not work related. Just depends on the person
Might be with the goal of being able to back-channel off of work monitored devices. Could be valuable, just see what happens and don’t say anything you wouldn’t say on work channels until you build trust. I never really trust my coworkers.
Sounds like she just wants an alliance. Someone on your side is not a bad thing and vice versa unless she’s a trouble maker
So what did you wrote to her?