Emojis At Work: Boosting or Hurting Productivity?🤔

Let’s talk about emojis in workplace communication.

A recent survey found that nearly half of employees worldwide don’t think emojis belong in formal workplace messages. In fact, 47% of workers (and over half of Gen X) believe they should be banned altogether.

Why? Because emojis can be tricky.

• 65% of employees said they’ve held back from using one out of fear of being misunderstood.

• 30% admitted they have misinterpreted a colleague’s emoji.

• 27% even said they’ve felt offended by one.

As for me, I kinda read the audience and the situation. A serious matter that requires a more professional tone will not include emojis. But if it’s a more casual exchange and to help lighten the conversation, I will use an emoji (or two 😉).

So, which ones are safe and which to avoid?

👍 Thumbs up, 👏 clapping hands, and 🤝 handshake are seen as the most “work-appropriate.”

🍆 eggplant, 💩 poo, 🍑 peach, 💋 kiss mark, and 💦 sweat droplets - well, you can guess why these made the “most inappropriate” list.

Here’s the thing: for younger generations, emojis can soften a message or show empathy. But for others, the same emoji might feel dismissive or even unprofessional. That disconnect can cause tension you didn’t plan for.

I don’t think emojis are bad, but your team must have a shared understanding of what’s appropriate. But just like tone, wording, or cultural references, emoji use needs to be

.

As leaders, it might be worth setting some light guidelines around workplace communication styles; especially if your teams span across generations or regions. A little clarity can prevent a lot of awkward moments.

What do you think: should emojis have a place at work, or should we stick to words only?