Mobile phones have revolutionised the way people stay in touch with each other.

You can be out at a jobsite, in the warehouse, on the beach or down at the pub - as long as you're within range of the nearest mobile phone tower, people can contact you.

Smart phones have added another dimension to mobile phone use.

Now you can take photos, listen to music, surf the web, update your Facebook page and do lots of other things via your phone.

Many tradespeople use their phones these days to manage appointments and even to take credit card payments.

But like every other form of technology, if it's not used properly there can be downsides.

Some companies have had to go to the extent of banning mobile phone use at work because employees were wasting too much time or abusing their privileges.

Below are some of the benefits of having a mobile phone at work, as well as some 'protocols', or rules, that should be observed.

Benefits

1. Taking on-site photos

'A picture paints a thousand words'.

There are many times when an on-site photo of a fault or problem can save you a great deal of verbal explanation.

Photos can be downloaded and inserted into written reports, or simply sent as a message to the person who needs to see it.

You can also take photos of subfloor problems or moisture metre readings to keep on file as a form of evidence.

This lets you refer back to them later if the need ever arises.

2. Communicating verbally

Having a mobile phone lets you make and receive calls at any time.

This allows you to attend to urgent matters, organise meetings, talk to suppliers and clients, and generally stay connected wherever you are.

3. Communicating via SMS or email

Like phone calls, having access to email and SMS services when you're on-site or in transit can be a huge boost to your productivity.

It means you can deal with issues on the spot and always be in touch with your office and other important contacts.

4. Storing information

Depending on the programs and applications you have loaded onto the phone, you can maintain your diary and keep your work schedule up-to-date.

Most phones will also let you store various types of files, so you can refer to important pieces of information when needed, such as installation details, Australian Standards, technical images, and so on.

Protocols

1. Making calls

Just because you're capable of making a phone call whenever you want to, it doesn't mean you should use up valuable work time chatting to friends.

Don't use your phone for personal calls during work hours unless there are exceptional circumstances - it will irritate your workmates and annoy your boss.

Even when you do need to make a call, it's polite to do it away from others so that you don't disturb them - especially if you tend to talk loudly on the phone.

2. Receiving calls

The same rule applies to receiving calls as making calls - only take work-related calls during work time.

Let all other calls go to your message bank, and ring the person back when you have a break.

If you're meeting with a client or having an important conversation, let every call go to the message bank unless you know it relates to an urgent matter.

Best of all, turn off the ringer while you're in the meeting so there is no disruption.

3. Sending and receiving SMSs

Unless an SMS is work-related and needs to be dealt with on the spot, you should reserve your texting time to breaks and after hours.

Even then, most people consider it rude for someone to be sitting in general company and laughing at private jokes, especially if you're all having lunch together or are part of a group conversation.

The same applies to playing games on your phone. Wait until you're on your own to do this solitary activity.