As the workplace environment has adapted to remote work, more than 75% of employees found themselves using emojis more frequently in communication channels, according to a new report from Clutch, the leading B2B ratings and reviews platform.
The divide of emoji use in the workplace, however, still lies in the possibility of misinterpretation in professional work channels and within older generations.
For employees that do use emojis at work, there are certain advantages. Emojis can help convey a tone without words (17%), allow users to express emotions virtually (14%), cultivate a less formal work culture (11%), and help users respond to messages more quickly (7%).
“Communication on a daily basis at work can become very monotonous and emojis have a natural way of shifting the mood in a workplace,” said Joshua C. Moon, an accountant at Sunshine Accounting & Bookkeeping.
With the loss of in-office culture, emojis can create connections. But many believe that there is a time and place for their use.
Employees Believe that Emojis in Emails Are Unprofessional
The email marketing tactic of adding emojis in subject lines doesn’t work in a business environment. While 33% of employees use emojis in their email correspondence at work, 60% of employees believe that emojis in work emails are unprofessional.
“I prefer not to have emojis in workplace memos or in serious emails to clients as they can distract from the tone you’re trying to strike,” said Chris Riley, co-founder and CEO of USA Rx.
Employees that use emojis in emails should consider their messaging and intent before use.
Veteran Employees Are More Likely to Misinterpret Work Emoticons
While younger generations started their online journeys earlier, their work colleagues in older generations are less likely to understand emojis they receive.
Nearly a quarter of employees (22%) over the age of 45 have received an emoji that they didn’t understand at work.
“Younger generations tend to dress more casually, speak more casually, and communicate with others through text and email more casually,” Chelsea Roller, a content marketing manager at Rank Fuse Digital Marketing said. “Older generations aren’t as used to emojis being part of their daily communications.”
Emojis in the workplace can build connections, but it is up to the employee to consider their audience before pressing send.
Edited by Maryssa Gordon, Senior Editor, Price of Business Digital Network
