The use of gadgets may make employees more productive, or just create another distraction.

Here are the results of a new survey on the topic by the IT staffing firm Robert Half Technologies.

In response to the survey, more than half of chief information officers (CIOs) polled have seen more instances of poor workplace etiquette resulting from more frequent use of mobile electronic devices. (The survey was based on telephone interviews with more than 1,400 CIOs from companies across the United States with 100 or more employees.)

CIOs were asked, “In your opinion, what effect has the increased use of mobile electronic gadgets — such as cell phones, smartphones, handheld devices and laptops — had on workplace etiquette in the past three years? Have the number of breaches in workplace etiquette increased, decreased or remained the same?” Their responses:

Increased significantly: 22%

Increased somewhat: 29%

Remained the same:  42%

Decreased somewhat: 4%

Decreased significantly: 2%

Don’t know/no answer: 1%

“While electronic gadgets are designed to make employees more productive, they also may serve as a distraction,” said Dave Willmer, executive director of Robert Half Technology. “Although the rules of tech etiquette vary from business to business, it’s always a good idea to give people you’re collaborating with your undivided attention.”

Willmer added that it’s easy to inadvertently offend people when you’re moving too quickly. “The best communicators take time to consider the most appropriate medium for the message,” he said.

Robert Half Technology identifies five types of tech-etiquette offenders. See if you or your managers can spot them in your organization:

1. The Misguided Multitasker. This person thinks that e-mailing or texting during a meeting or conversation demonstrates efficiency. But others may regard it as a sign he prizes his BlackBerry more than the company he keeps. This person can create animosity in the workplace. Suggestion: Ask this person to use their handheld device only in an urgent situation and step out of the room to reply.

2. The E-mail Addict. If you’ve ever played e-mail tag with a colleague, you’ve likely encountered this person, who relies on a constant stream of e-mails, instant messages or texts to communicate every needs. Why? This individual thinks it will save time. But excessive messaging, particularly regarding trivial things, can be inefficient and disruptive. Suggestion: Ask the e-mail addicts manager to offer a reminder that often a phone call or in-person discussion can resolve issues more quickly.

3. The Broadcaster. This person has no shame when it comes to using his cell phone anytime, anywhere — including open office halls and the public restroom — to discuss anything. When using a cell phone in common areas, it’s not only disrespectful but also potentially off-putting to others. Suggestion: Advise all employees to keep private conversations limited to private places.

4. The Cyborg. Rare is the chance to see this person without the blinking glow of a Bluetooth headset or iPod earbud nestled in an ear. Keeping a wireless earpiece or headphones constantly plugged in signals to others who may need to speak to you that your attention is not available. Suggestion: Teach workers that they should show that they are accessible to their colleagues by using earpieces in the office with discretion and consideration.

5. The Distractor. This person may have good intentions in setting a cellphone to vibrate rather than torturing colleagues with a cheesy ringtone, but hearing it repeatedly buzz loudly on a desktop or during a meeting can be just as distracting. A better solution: Ask workers to set their phone to silent or keep it in their pocket when in the office.