Decline of the desktop phone

As I prepare for another work week, I realize how little the phone on my desk is used.

Most of the days, its sit idle for hours. Bill Gates has said it’s going to die.

The office or desktop phone is on the decline if not the way out.

There’s little reason or incentive to use it. E-mail rules the day - people would rather hide behind their computers. That way, they can cover their butts, nurse their hangovers or simply ignore co-workers.

Those factors and others - increased cell phone usage comes to mind - have relegated the desktop phone to second-tier office tool status.

One proof point; A friend of mine who works for the Canadian division of a prominent tech company, once told me his company tried to implement a ‘no e-mail’ day once a month. It didn’t work.

Some of the decline among business people is due to customer demand. Many sales people I know, for instance, are contacted more often than not via e-mail/BlackBerry/cell phone even if the rep is at his or her desk.

The office phone isn’t going away anytime soon. But people’s preferences and the rise of mobile and IP-based services have made it easier to keep the receiver on its cradle at the office.

April 13, 2008 | Filed Under News Items and Commentary