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Pay attention to what you say… But also to what you write. According to a study published by the Flashs firm last November, 18% of employees receive at least 50 professional emails per day. An even higher proportion among managers (34%). No wonder the overflow of emails is the number one source of irritation in the office. But do you know what’s worse than receiving too many emails? Conclude them with a annoying polite phrase. We can’t really blame you, it’s sometimes a matter of conscience. Too familiar, it will earn you sideways glances from your colleagues and superiors; too distant, and you will become the cold collaborator. Here are three formulas to avoid if you want to maintain good relationships… even via screen. And you most certainly used one this week!
“Sincerely”, the nemesis of Gen-Z
Unbeatable and yet hated, “Sincerely» is the formula that irritates the most employees and employers. His problem? Its lack of soul, which gives the impression of filler by default: “It lacks personalization and seems effortless”explains Léa Paolacci, survey manager at the statistics firm Flashs. THE 18-24 ans are particularly critical of the formula since a quarter of them (24%) find it annoying, compared to 21% for the rest of the employees. “It must be said that younger generations, more accustomed to instant messaging like Slack or Teams and to speaking expressively, perceive this formula as mechanical and cold.” So why continue to use it? Maybe out of habit… or lack of inspiration.
«Looking forward to reading you“. This is a formula that seems full of good intentions… on paper. Because this time, this courtesy radiates an almost artificial warmth. “It may seem overenthusiastic or forced, especially in a formal professional context”specifies the expert. Enough to make you roll your eyes more than anything else. It’s best to avoid coming across as a colleague who’s a little too theatrical.
To conclude this podium of shunned considerations, we find the ceremonious “Kind regards“. Once again, to be banned in your professional exchanges. For what ? The formula breathes (a little too much) protocol. “Too stilted, this expression turns out to be out of place in the majority of professional exchanges today”assures Léa Paolacci.
Motus and sewn mouth?
Should we therefore renounce all courtesy? No need to get there. Because the absence of a polite greeting at the end of a professional letter indifferentizes employees as much as it annoys them. More particularly women, who are more numerous to judge that it is impolite (55% versus 46% for men). The cause? “Women are often socialized to adopt empathetic behaviors and attentive to social norms. So when they notice that a person does not respect these codes to which they have always complied, this can cause them a feeling of annoyance”analyzes Léa Paolacci.
So, is there a perfect formula? Not really… But there’s no need to worry too much. As Léa Paolacci points out, “this classification must above all be taken in the second degree, because these formulas are obviously not prohibitive”. Phew!
