Attention Millennials: Using Emojis at Work Can Break Communication

We know that for decades, most communication has been non-verbal. In this way, the emojis they are like any interaction tool, but what matters is how you use them. Have you ever thought that sometimes using these smiley faces in the workplace might not be a good idea, as it tends to cause communication failure, among other factors?

Read more: Gen Z decides the 'Thumbs Up' emoji needs to stop being used

Generation Z has seen the use of some emojis and has linked them to old people. They are even saying that its use can sound rude and hostile. Thus, they criticize the sending of stickers in professional communication.

Understand why it's better not to use emojis at work

In the workplace, they can make you appear aloof, rude, and even passive-aggressive. At least that's what a new report from Prospectus Global points out. When we send messages via text or pictures, the tone of the message is created by the other person, isn't it? Even if sarcasm or rudeness is misunderstood.

After all, why risk the topic of conversation at work with emojis? Your communication is not working when you think you are communicating efficiently, but your team is interpreting everything differently.

It's easy to turn this issue into a generational debate, but the truth is that everything is very simplistic. The real issue here concerns effective communication. It's always good to talk to your team to see if they think something in particular is dismissive, rude, sarcastic or anything else that might come across as offensive.

The disadvantages of using emojis in professional communication

While 22% of respondents said they use multiple emojis in text messages "to make everything more of course,” a new study from Tel Aviv University shows that they actually make you look less powerful.

Research shows that using images indicates a greater desire to socialize. People use images strategically to represent less power. In some cases, especially in a work or company environment, sending an emoji can mean a lack of it.

Therefore, always try to use your words to clarify what you want to say, so that there is no miscommunication or misunderstanding. Let them be objective and clarify what you want to convey.