DEAR ABBY: I was wondering if you could help me out with a co-worker who is constantly on her phone. Four, five, sometimes eight times a day she is making and accepting personal calls. It's very distracting to the rest of the office. When she's not at her desk, it's then my responsibility to cover for her.
I would like to find a polite way to say "these phone calls can be made after hours." I do not want to ruffle any feathers. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. -- TOO CHICKEN TO TALK
DEAR TOO CHICKEN: The company's policy on personal calls during business hours should be a part of the employee handbook. If it isn't, it should be brought to the attention of your employer or supervisor so it can be included when the handbook is updated.
Ideally, the person to speak to your co-worker about this would be your boss. Because these calls are distracting the other employees, your boss should be made aware of it so he or she can deal with it.