{"id":13667,"date":"2021-02-25T14:33:00","date_gmt":"2021-02-25T14:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/?p=13667"},"modified":"2021-02-25T14:33:00","modified_gmt":"2021-02-25T14:33:00","slug":"using-emojis-at-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/using-emojis-at-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Using Emojis at Work? Consider These Tips First."},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Emojis are nothing new. They\u2019ve long dominated digital communication spaces such as email, social media, and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/instant-messaging-apps\/\"> free instant messenger<\/a> chats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But as workplaces go virtual and communication becomes more relaxed, emojis have begun popping up in professional settings, causing enjoyment for some while others cringe. And as millennials and generation Z &#8211; the biggest users of emojis &#8211; account for a larger percentage of the workforce, it begs the question: <b>are emojis acceptable at work?<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With new ones debuting all the time, emojis let you express thousands of emotions, feelings, and ideas while saving you precious time and characters. They\u2019re a great way to inject some life into your digital communication! But it\u2019s not always so straightforward, especially in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before using emojis in work communication, consider the tips in this article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Do People Use Emojis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Visual communication is nothing new. People have long communicated with pictures and symbols, such as the ancient Egyptians, whose<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/emoglyphs-emojis-reminiscent-of-ancient-egyptian-writing-says-museum\/a-51770895\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> hieroglyphics<\/a> sometimes resemble modern emojis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the first emoticon appeared in 1982 &#8211; the rudimentary by today\u2019s standards smiley and colon &#8211; improvements in digital technology have paved the way for<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wired.com\/story\/guide-emoji\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> thousands of emojis<\/a>. There are even dedicated apps in case you can\u2019t find the emoji you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A single emoji can illustrate multiple emotions, making them more powerful than written words on their own. Take a heart, for example. Adding one to a message communicates warmth, sympathy, and understanding. A monkey, on the other hand, can convey playfulness and good nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Simply put:<b> Emojis help convey thoughts and feelings that aren\u2019t easily expressed by plain text.<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What\u2019s more, there\u2019s evidence that the human brain can<a href=\"https:\/\/las.illinois.edu\/news\/2018-09-05\/our-brains-process-irony-emojis-words-same-way\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> interpret irony<\/a> and sarcasm when digital icons are paired with written text, making a powerful multimodal form of communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Opinions on Emojis Are Mixed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/05-the-use-of-emoticons.png\" alt=\"Opinions on Emojis Are Mixed\" class=\"wp-image-11361\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like it or not, there\u2019s no clear-cut rule on the use of emojis in business communication. And opinions on their use vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nearly half of young professionals aged 18-29 in<a href=\"https:\/\/www.surveymonkey.com\/curiosity\/is-it-ok-to-use-emojis-at-work-heres-what-the-data-tells-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> a study by SurveyMonkey<\/a> viewed emojis as work-appropriate. More than half admitted to using emojis regularly, stating they make the workplace more fun and easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Professionals 45 and older, on the other hand, largely considered the use of emojis at work as inappropriate and unprofessional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter which side you fall on, there are benefits and drawbacks to the use of emojis in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Benefits of Using Emojis at Work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Add a personal touch to your communication.<\/b> Emojis allow you to express your human side during digital communication, as well as display emotional intelligence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Better express yourself and a range of emotions. <\/b>An emoji enables you to better convey your emotions during written communication. You can better emphasize messages, injecting some life into conversations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Make Communication less rigid. <\/b>Emojis can help you come across as more approachable. They can take the sting out of communication that\u2019s rigid or could otherwise be misconstrued.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Disadvantages of Using Emojis at Work<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>You May Seem Less Competent.<\/b>\u00a0 Using emojis in the workplace may make you seem incompetent. Emojis are still a relatively new phenomenon and, despite their popularity among youth and millennials, older professionals tend to expect traditional correspondence. What\u2019s more, those who frown upon their use in workplace<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/email-or-im\/\"> emails or IMs<\/a> may find them annoying, and you less genuine as a result.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Their Interpretation Is Subjective.<\/b> Just because an emoji seems appropriate to you doesn\u2019t mean your audience will view it that way. For instance, if a coworker shares a joke with you, you may respond with a crying emoji to show that you\u2019re crying from laughter. Your coworker may think you\u2019re upset and wonder whether an apology is in order. Moreover, if you\u2019re sending an emoji to someone using a different device or operating system,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.socialmediatoday.com\/social-networks\/does-emoji-mean-what-you-think-it-means-new-research-looks-emoji-misinterpretation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> that emoji may appear differently<\/a> to them, possibly leading to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/breakdown-in-communication\/\">breakdown in communication.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p>[highlight_block title=&#8221;You might also like:&#8221; link1=&#8221;https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/team-communication-tools\/&#8221; link2=&#8221;https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/what-is-instant-messaging\/&#8221; link3=&#8221;https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/customer-service\/&#8221; ]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What to Know When Using Emojis at Work<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Emojis can be a dynamic addition to your team\u2019s<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/internal-communication\/\"> internal communication<\/a>. But overusing emojis, or using them incorrectly can cause <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/miscommunication-in-the-workplace\/\">miscommunication<\/a>, offense, or send the wrong message. Here\u2019s some advice and best practices to consider before using emojis in the workplace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Gauge the Company Culture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Company culture varies wildly between industries, so you\u2019ll need to measure the temperature of your company\u2019s attitude towards emojis. If you\u2019re unsure, ask a coworker about the company\u2019s stance on them. There may even be a company policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In more casual workplaces like tech startups, emojis are more likely to be deemed acceptable. But in rigid corporate environments such as finance, emojis can come across as childish or simply inappropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, even within the same company, there\u2019s bound to be some discrepancy. Correspondence with the CEO probably shouldn\u2019t be dominated by emojis. But using emojis in a group chat celebrating company successes or employee milestones shouldn\u2019t raise any issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. First Impressions Matter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid emojis when sending an introductory message, whether to a boss, superior or subordinate, a new colleague, or a prospective client. Besides needing to get to know the person, you need to get a feel for their style of communication. An emoji right off the bat could harm your chances of being taken seriously and, consequently, hinder the trust and respect you need to gain for the relationship to flourish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Know Your Audience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Emojis aren\u2019t a universal language. Just as symbols mean different things in<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/cultural-barriers\/\"> different cultural settings<\/a>, emojis can be interpreted in myriad ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a thumbs up, for example. Considered a sign of approval in Western culture, it could be construed as vulgar or offensive in the Middle East. There are also demographic and gender differences to consider. While older professionals may deem emojis inappropriate, some may be plain oblivious to them, leading to misinterpretation or confusion. Depending on the audience, certain emojis, or misplaced or ill-time emojis, could be construed as anything from a simple joke, something of a more provocative nature, or even a threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is Mirroring. Mirroring is when you replicate the style of the individual with whom you\u2019re communicating. If you notice they\u2019re not using emojis, or using them sparingly, it\u2019s best to follow suit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Keep Them Professional<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It should go without saying, but certain emojis are inappropriate in the workplace. They could easily be misinterpreted or offensive. Whether in an email or instant message, always keep your use of emojis professional, and only use those that demonstrate intelligence, professionalism, and good nature towards your coworkers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. Show Emotional Intelligence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/instant-messaging-apps\/#What_is_Instant_Messaging\"> instant messaging<\/a> and email are the day\u2019s go-to means of communication, they can leave communication flat and devoid of emotional connection, especially in<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/remote-work-best-practices\/\"> remote work<\/a> environments. Mindful and well-timed emojis can alleviate stressful situations and reduce tension. They can also make you seem more open and accessible and go a long way towards making new coworkers feel welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Evaluate the Nature of the Communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In correspondences where the focus is strictly informative, it\u2019s best to remain professional and authoritative. This holds for both email and IMs, as well as<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/group-chatting\/\"> group chat<\/a> and one-to-one communication. It\u2019s also where mirroring comes in handy. By mirroring the other party, you\u2019ll know pretty quickly how formal they are. For example, communication that lacks small talk probably shouldn\u2019t be dominated by emojis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you swear by emojis, though, give it some time. As the relationship progresses, or if you\u2019re on a first-name basis with each other, you may find the odd emoji here and there acceptable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Businesses Can Use Emojis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Using-Emoticons-at-Work.png\" alt=\"How Businesses Can Use Emojis\" class=\"wp-image-13673\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Companies today have tons of tools at their disposal to enhance internal and external communication.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/instant-messaging-apps\/\"> Instant messaging apps<\/a> for business, email, and social media all offer businesses opportunities to employ emojis. Unfortunately, those platforms not only increase the likelihood of communication-related headaches, but opportunities to set the wrong tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Emojis for Marketing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Emojis are great for marketing purposes, especially when targeting millennials and younger audiences. What\u2019s more, they can help you craft more succinct messages to more easily fit within social media character limitations. Not to mention, they enable you to show a bit of creativity and good fun with your brand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Emojis When Communicating with Customers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When communicating directly with customers, such as<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/live-chat\/\"> live chat<\/a> or email, use emojis sparingly, if at all. As there\u2019s no universal interpretation for emojis, there\u2019s no way of knowing how the recipient will accept it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wait until you\u2019ve established a relationship with the other party, or at least until you can identify their communication style. Even then, the wrong emoji could come across as unprofessional or offensive and negatively impact your brand and your business. So proceed with caution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking to improve how your team communicates, try<a href=\"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\"> Brosix<\/a>. An all-in-one instant messenger for business, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/\">Brosix<\/a> provides teams a secure communication space, rich <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/collaboration-apps\/\">collaboration tools<\/a>, and robust administrative control on a private team network. And with a range of workplace-suitable emojis, Brosix keeps <a href=\"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/improve-team-communication\/\">team communication<\/a> light, but without the trouble.<\/p>\n\n\n<p>[highlight_block title=&#8221;Improve your team communication today.&#8221; link1=&#8221;https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/signup\/&#8221; link2=&#8221;&#8221; link3=&#8221;&#8221; ]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Emojis are nothing new. They\u2019ve long dominated digital communication spaces such as email, social media, and free instant messenger chats. But as workplaces go virtual and communication becomes more relaxed, emojis have begun popping up in professional settings, causing enjoyment for some while others cringe. And as millennials and generation Z &#8211; the biggest users [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":13672,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13667","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-productivity"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13667","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13667"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13667\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13672"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13667"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13667"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brosix.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13667"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}