It seems unlikely that the idea of incorporating the commute into the daily working hours of employees will be widely adopted just yetEmails are such a regular part of life that many of us often don’t put much thought into the messages we send, especially when firing off a quick note to a work colleague. However, a recent survey suggests some of those innocuous phrases that find their way into work emails can actually have the effect of antagonising and annoying the recipient.
As part of its fourth annual consumer email survey, US software company Adobe asked 1,000 American workers about their most annoying email phrases. Here are the top nine:
1. Not sure if you saw my last email
2. Per my last email
3. Per our conversation
4. Any updates on this?
5. Sorry for the double email
6. Please advise
7. As previously stated
8. As discussed
9. Reattaching for your convenience
While most of these phrases sound innocuous, they all have certain connotations that can contribute to an unhealthy working environment. For example, several phrases on the list are used to chase up a previous matter. Of course, if you have not received a timely response to an important matter, you have a right to follow up. However, it is important to choose your wording carefully and not to put too much pressure on your colleague. There might be a good reason why they haven’t yet responded – maybe a personal issue, illness or a more pressing deadline.
Likewise, some of the phrases that made the list could be interpreted (or misinterpreted) as pompous, judgemental or perhaps even passive-aggressive. As a result, the recipient may choose not to respond, leading to a breakdown in communication and productivity.
In response to the survey, Kristin Naragon, Adobe’s director of email solutions, told CNBC that while email communication is quick and easy, it can be difficult to put across the right emotions and intent. As a result, she warned that staff morale could be damaged.
The moral of this is to simply think about the wording of the emails you send. The meaning might be clear to you, but consider the tone you’re using and how it could come across to your colleagues. Ask yourself if you would be happy to receive your email as worded. If not, consider rephrasing it in a way that ensures you get the response you want, while maintaining a positive working relationship with your colleagues.
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