Emails at work are really important to stay connected with your colleagues and to communicate in a professional manner. But some workers also use passive aggressive statements in their emails that leave a bad taste in the mouth of whoever is reading that email. A survey of US office workers by Mailsuite shows that 86.09% of Americans have received passive aggressive statements from their co-workers.
To keep your relationship with your colleagues healthy and professional, there are some statements you should avoid using in your work emails. If you are using “just a friendly reminder” in your emails, just know that it doesn't give friendly feelings at all. Even though this statement seems friendly, it gives feelings of passive aggressiveness. Instead, try using “what is the current state of…..?” which is to the point. There is also another statement you may have found in your work email that is “thank you in advance”. It creates a sense of pressure on whoever is reading the email so you can use “thank you for any help you can offer.”
Some other common passive aggressive phrases in work emails are: “As you are, no doubt, aware…”, “as per my last email”, “correct me if I am wrong, but…” and “I am a little confused about”. All of these statements are somewhat rude or demanding. You should always check on how you’d feel if someone would say these statements to you in a passive aggressive way. If you are sending your co-workers emails about CC’ing your manager or boss for reference, it feels like you do not trust the ability of your co-workers to deal with the situation at hand. Be polite and make sure your co-workers feel included in all our discussions with the managers.
Take a look at this infographic for more insights, curtesy of MailSuite.
Read next: Gen-Z Is Twice As Likely to Send Emojis to Senior Managers, Shaping New Office Communication Norms
To keep your relationship with your colleagues healthy and professional, there are some statements you should avoid using in your work emails. If you are using “just a friendly reminder” in your emails, just know that it doesn't give friendly feelings at all. Even though this statement seems friendly, it gives feelings of passive aggressiveness. Instead, try using “what is the current state of…..?” which is to the point. There is also another statement you may have found in your work email that is “thank you in advance”. It creates a sense of pressure on whoever is reading the email so you can use “thank you for any help you can offer.”
Some other common passive aggressive phrases in work emails are: “As you are, no doubt, aware…”, “as per my last email”, “correct me if I am wrong, but…” and “I am a little confused about”. All of these statements are somewhat rude or demanding. You should always check on how you’d feel if someone would say these statements to you in a passive aggressive way. If you are sending your co-workers emails about CC’ing your manager or boss for reference, it feels like you do not trust the ability of your co-workers to deal with the situation at hand. Be polite and make sure your co-workers feel included in all our discussions with the managers.
- Also read: Which Tech Giants Are Leading with the Toughest Interviews and Earning Candidates' Praise?
Take a look at this infographic for more insights, curtesy of MailSuite.
Read next: Gen-Z Is Twice As Likely to Send Emojis to Senior Managers, Shaping New Office Communication Norms
