What is essential to record when taking a phone message?

Recording who called is essential when taking a phone message because it establishes the identity of the individual reaching out, which is crucial for follow-up communication. Knowing the caller allows for proper acknowledgment and response to their inquiry or concern. It helps in maintaining clear communication and provides context if the message needs to be relayed to another staff member or if the caller needs to be contacted back later.

While other details like the caller's email or address might be useful in certain contexts, they are not universally essential for every phone message. Call duration might be relevant in specific situations, but it is typically not a priority for basic message-taking. Thus, identifying the caller serves the primary purpose of ensuring that all communication can be effectively managed and addressed.