For those who use instant messaging at their employment!

Anonymous

April 26,2022 at 11:15AM UTC

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For those who use instant messaging at their employment! Should professionalism and proper etiquette be used while instant messaging?Or should it treated like a text message?

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Marie HowellApril 26,2022 at 12:45PM UTC
My messaging always represents how I would communicate with the person. My team and I are more relaxed, so we laugh a lot and our messaging reflects that (a lot of gifs). When I am working with the c-suite or other employees that I do not know well, I am more formal. In all of this though the rules of professionalism apply, so nothing ever off color or nsf.
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 1:11PM UTC
Thanks just by curious do you greet (Hi or good morning)when you message or just talk like you have talked to them all day ?
Marie HowellApril 26,2022 at 9:40PM UTC
Mostly hi at the start of an issue.
Georgene HuangApril 26,2022 at 2:51PM UTC
This is a great question. I've wondered the same myself...I tend to treat Slack more casually but I think this is one of those grey areas where norms differ by generation and possibly by company culture. Following this thread!
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 3:52PM UTC
I think the answer to this depends on the culture and content/context of the texting be done. I use the same rule of thumb for texting as I do for sending an email. If the email is between a well known colleague and depending on the content/context then Im a little more casual and may include GIFs. If Im texting my boss its a bit more professional unless again its us just casually discussing a topic. Hope this helps.
Annie LimApril 26,2022 at 3:56PM UTC
I agree. I usually see what others are doing, but that can range, as well. Use your best judgment depending on your relationship with the opposite party as well as the general company culture. It could really be a personal choice and a means of expressing who you are. Of course don't veer to outright inappropriate, but I think the level of professionalism can vary and it's really up to you. Sometimes I feel I am too casual on Slack, but I also don't think it's very harmful and it's who I am (expressive with emoticons, etc.)
AnonymousApril 26,2022 at 7:58PM UTC
Definitely depends on the environment. We are very casual at my work so you're lucky if you receive punctuation.
AnonymousApril 27,2022 at 9:49AM UTC
Similar to others, it really depends on who you’re talking to and what you’re talking about. If I’m talking to coworkers or even managers that I have a good relationship with and talk about things non-work related, it’ll be more casual and more text like. But if I’m talking about work, it’ll become more professional no matter who I’m talking to.
AnonymousApril 27,2022 at 1:15PM UTC
All communications on your work laptop are professional communications. Don’t say anything that you wouldn’t want your manager to see.
Mid & large Companies do have key loggers where they can record all your data entry. They wouldn’t access it unless you are accused of stealing company secrets but still—there is no such thing as privacy in the workplace.