April | 2018 | BizComBuzz

A whopping 71 percent of Americans add digital images such as emojis or GIFs when using mobile messaging apps. While such use may not cause ☹️ when sent between friends, the practice is causing many a 😰 in HR departments across American businesses. Why? The cutesy icons have now become evidence in certain workplace lawsuits. 😩

The problem lies in emojis’ inherent subjectivity—what’s funny to you may be offensiveto me. Perhaps that is why 39 percent of senior managers surveyed by Robert Half said that using emojis was unprofessional. However, in the same survey, 61 percent stated that using the images in work communication was okay “in certain situations.”

Clearly, a lack of consensus about if and when to use digital images pervades the workplace, and researchers are investigating just how the ubiquitous icons can cause chaos. Some findings show that emoji use affects the sender’s workplace persona by conveying a lack of seriousness. In fact, researchers in Israel found that use of emojis increased the perception of a sender’s incompetence. However, the data also found those reactions tend to be influenced by the level of formality in the communication, once again leaving emoji use problematical.

Even more serious, however, is that emojis have exacerbated sexual harassment issues, says Kelly Hughes, an attorney at the national legal firm Ogletree Deakins. Employees sending messages rife with heart or kissy face emojis open themselves up to harassment charges by creating what could be interpreted as a hostile work environment. This is especially true if the emojis are used to convey inappropriate thoughts. These types of messages end up putting employers at risk because workplace communication can be used as evidence in lawsuits against organizations.

It’s no wonder employers are 😩.

Discussion

Describe an acceptable situation for sending a message with an emoji to your boss.
List some emojis that could be misinterpreted.
Should firms create policies controlling the use of emojis in business communication?

–From Workforce

[ Instructors: Download PDFs of this exercise at the bottom of the post.]

Capturing the right tone in business communication requires careful consideration of audience, an organization’s corporate climate, and writing purpose. Whether composing a text message or an e-mail, good writers project professionalism by choosing words that will make them sound educated, mature, and conversational.

To hit the right note between being too relaxed or too formal, keep these points in mind:

Adopt a casual tone that sounds conversational instead of the high-level diction found in formal reports or letters.
Avoid overblown words such as awesome or incredible.
Be concise and polite.
Compose using correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Don’t use abbreviations that are appropriate only for non-work messages (BTW instead of by the way or gr8 for great).
Use personal pronouns such as I, we, and you to sound friendlier.

Practice hitting the right tone by rewriting the sentences below. If the tone of a sentence is appropriate, mark it as correct with a C.

All managers are hereby instructed to administer the pro forma documents to the approrpriate parties for the ensuing quarters.
Bossman Steve, totally awesome news!! Gretchel has FINALLY tossed her heinous idea so we can go with the cool one Benny came up with.
Please return the signed documents so we can process your check quickly.
The advent of unforeseen events adding to the difficulty of completion of the tasks does not abrogate your presence at meetings nor the original due date.
Hey, dude, you promised me those docs like three days ago? WTH?
As a new employee, you can contribute to our volunteer efforts in many different ways.
Per the dictates contained in the previously mentioned contract containing your signature, your inability to fulfill the parameters of the assignment are reasonable cause for immediate dismissal.
R U coming 2 the mtg at 3 cuz if not el jefe will be mucho mad.
Pursuant to our orla communication which took place on the afternoon of the 12^th of November, you are hereby notified that your application for vacation has been met with approval.
It is desirous that all employees adhere to the signs posted in various and sundry locations throughout our establishment and properly cleanse their hands.

Solutions

Original too formal, wordy, contains a typo. REWRITE: All managers should give the prepared documents to involved staff members quarterly.
Original too informal, uses impolite language, wordy. REWRITE: Steve, Gretchel has agreed to go with Benny’s idea.
C
Original too formal, wordy.REWRITE: Despite the sudden events, you must attend meetings and finish the job on time.
Original too informal, uses inappropriate abbreviation. REWRITE: Mike, do you have the documents you promised me a few days ago?
C
Original oo formal, wordy. REWRITE: Because you have not completed the assignment, we are dismissing you, according to the terms of the contract.
Original too informal, grammatically incorrect, use of abbreviations. REWRITE: Are you coming to the meeting at 3:00? I think the boss is expecting you.
Original too formal, wordy, typo. REWRITE: Your vacation is approved. Have fun!
Original too formal, wordy. REWRITE: All employees must wash their hands.