In every office environment there are rules of etiquette that should be followed. Granted some offices are more relaxed than others, but simple common courtesy should always be remembered. If you work in an office with cubicles some of these apply a lot more than others. First there is the use of the speaker phone.  Even if a building has offices in which doors can be shut, speaker phones can irritate many of your co-workers. If you are alone in your office there is no need for a speaker phone. If it is necessary for you to work hands-free please consider a headset for your phone.  Your co-workers are not interested in what your wife is cooking for dinner or the complaint of the week from your client. Another aspect to consider is the person on the other side of the conversation.  If they are unaware they are being broadcast over the speaker phone it is possible that the conversation could result in embarrassment for the other party should something negative or off-color or be said in the presence of an individual who can hear the conversation.

If you do get a headset this does not mean you can walk around the office having a conversation.  This is actually more irritating than if you were in your office on the speaker phone. Please use common sense and a little bit of courtesy when on phone calls within your office. Another issue with using a headset is the fact many individuals may not realize you have a headset on and believe either you are trying to have a conversation with them or simply talking to yourself. The work environment should be one of consideration. There are many pet peeves to working with others, so try not to be the one who is the source of irritation.