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.
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12 Comments
12 Comments
Anonymous
12/10/19 at 5:15PM UTC
in
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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Anonymous
12/10/19 at 5:16PM UTC
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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
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1 Reply
Aubrea Ashe
75
12/10/19 at 5:27PM UTC
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I second this :)
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1 Reply
Sam Spica
2.82k
Communications Manager at FGB
12/10/19 at 5:37PM UTC
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Agreed! I shorten plenty of words on Slack but not over professional emails
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Cyndi Peterson Hash
97
Recruiter | Dog Mom | Photographer
12/10/19 at 5:32PM UTC
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I generally don't abbreviate unless I have a solid relationship with the person I'm messaging.
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Madam anon663
392
Learner, skeptic, direct.
12/10/19 at 5:41PM UTC
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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.
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User deleted comment on 04/05/20 at 4:16AM UTC
Lady Pele
3.95k
Retired Project Manager
12/11/19 at 4:27PM UTC
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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.
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Olivia Oz
846
12/11/19 at 7:57PM UTC
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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.
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1 Reply
Nina Semczuk
1.91k
Hi! I'm the Head of SEO Content @ Fairygodboss
12/11/19 at 8:33PM UTC
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Same!
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Maggie S
981
Business and Data Analysis Consultant
12/17/19 at 6:56PM UTC
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Depends on the relationship you have with the person you're messaging.
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Jennifer Haje
195
Consultant for IT, Social Media, CCMA
12/18/19 at 6:15PM UTC
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I believe abbreviations should be used informally in texts and im. Formal communications have to be in proper grammar and spelling. Reputation is everything.
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