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Should you use text abbreviations at work?
My coworkers and I had a debate on this today: should you use text abbreviations like "thx" or "brb" in professional communication? And is there a difference between email and an instant messenger, like gchat or slack? I think its inappropriate at any time, unless you're speaking to a friend, but I guess peoples opinions on this have loosened over the years.
Jennifer Haje
Real Estate Agent
210
12/18/19 at 6:15PM UTC
I believe abbreviations should be used informally in texts and im. Formal communications have to be in proper grammar and spelling. Reputation is everything.
Maggie BBusiness and Data Analysis Consultant
983
12/17/19 at 6:56PM UTC
Depends on the relationship you have with the person you're messaging.
Olivia Oz
846
12/11/19 at 7:57PM UTC
I try not to abbreviate unless I really know the person well enough that it's that casual of a conversation. I think it's case by case.
Anonymous
12/11/19 at 8:33PM UTC
Same!
Lady PeleRetired Project Manager
3.96k
12/11/19 at 4:27PM UTC
I never use abbreviations / chat speak in a professional communication. Internally, I will use FYI, but that's about it.
Sexism and ageism on the job is difficult enough without giving anyone more ammunition.
User deleted comment on 12/10/19 at 6:59PM UTC
Madam anon663Learner, skeptic, direct.
1.18k
12/10/19 at 5:41PM UTC
Never. Things might have loosened, but always present yourself as professional in your style of speaking whether spoken or written. You never know how this may affect any future career choices.
Cyndi Peterson HashRecruiter | Dog Mom | Photographer
97
12/10/19 at 5:32PM UTC
I generally don't abbreviate unless I have a solid relationship with the person I'm messaging.
Anonymous
12/10/19 at 5:16PM UTC
There is definitely a difference between IMing and email to me! I think it's okay to send emojis through IM for example but not through email
Aubrea Ashe
75
12/10/19 at 5:27PM UTC
I second this :)
Anonymous
12/10/19 at 5:37PM UTC
Agreed! I shorten plenty of words on Slack but not over professional emails
Anonymous
12/10/19 at 5:15PM UTC
Funny timing cause I just saw the episode of The Office where Michael Scott starts a meeting by saying acronyms and no one understands them, so Pam tells him that it wasted more time for him to explain them than it would've to just say what he meant. This is a little different than what you're pointing to, but it does speak to the fact that we shouldn't use them at work if we can help it.
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