Employees afraid of the phone? Telephobia can be overcome

Since when did the phone become an anxiety-fueling device to be avoided? What once was considered an essential tool enabling easy communication is now—in some circles—seen as an instrument that triggers fear and dread. Surveys from around the world have shown that many workers today suffer from “telephobia.” Why, and what can be done about it?

What is telephobia, and why is it a thing?

For a few years now, managers have noticed a curious phenomenon: Many employees show reluctance to use the phone. They’ll ignore a ringing phone on their desk, and they’ll avoid making a work-related call.

Some see phone calls as overly intrusive—almost rude if not preceded by a text asking if a call is OK. And some prefer to communicate via email, text, or direct message so they can check what they say instead of speaking off the cuff.

That’s often good thinking, but phone avoidance in many other instances hampers efficiency and productivity. A quick phone call can create the clarity needed to get down to business and avoid the delay of waiting for a response. And speaking to someone by phone is often more conducive to forming relationships with colleagues, customers, and clients than relying on email or other more impersonal forms of communication.

An article from Itramei, a communication intelligence provider, says many people today (especially Gen Zers) prefer to skip the phone in favor of email, texting, etc., because those tools provide something spontaneous conversation can’t—an edit button.