Miss Manners received a question about tradespeople, specifically plumbers, spending a significant amount of time on personal calls and texting while on the job. The reader expressed concern over the impact this has on both their time and money, as well as the quality of work being done. Miss Manners agrees that workers should not bill for time that is not spent working, but she also acknowledges that modern work habits differ from traditional norms.
Miss Manners suggests that the reader could politely address the issue with the plumber by asking them to check the time spent on personal calls when presenting the bill. This approach allows for accountability without compromising the professional relationship. While some may find it distracting or unprofessional, others may see it as a minor issue compared to the quality of the work being done.
Overall, Miss Manners encourages open communication and setting boundaries with service providers to ensure that both parties are satisfied with the arrangement. This advice serves as a reminder that professionalism and respect for one’s time are important in all types of interactions, whether in a professional or personal setting. Readers can submit their questions to Miss Manners through various channels for etiquette advice.
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