As digital communication continues to dominate the workplace, the use of emojis has become increasingly prevalent, with almost 70% of employees using them. people2people Recruitment recently conducted a survey to explore the nuances of emoji use in professional settings, revealing fascinating insights into how different generations interpret and utilise these small digital icons.
According to Suhini Wijayasinghe, people2people Recruitment Director, “Emojis can be a valuable communication tool in the workplace, but understanding their varied interpretations across generations is crucial to avoid miscommunication.”
Suhini advises, “The disparity of interpretations for one same emoji highlights its nuances. The more we understand about these mixed messages, and the different meanings for the people sending and receiving them, the less confusion will occur in the workplace. Not all smiley faces are created equal!”
The Smiling Face Emoji Dispute 🙂:
The survey results showed that when a colleague sends a Smiling Face emoji, over half (54%) of respondents believe it indicates that the sender is pleased. However, when broken down by generations, only 36% of Millennials and Gen Zs interpret it that way, compared to 64% of Gen Xs, and 73% of Baby Boomers.
In fact, 50% of Millennials and Gen Zs surveyed perceive the Smiling Face as passive aggressive compared to 17% of Gen Xs, and 12% of Baby Boomers.
Popular Emojis for Positive Feedback
👍 or ✔ When congratulating a colleague on a job well done, 54% of respondents opt for a thumbs up or a tick emoji. This preference is slightly more common among Gen Xs.
👏 or 🥳 The clapping hands or party face emojis are used by 26% of respondents to congratulate colleagues. This usage varies by age, with 21% of Gen Zs and Millennials, 25% of Gen Xs, and 33% of Baby Boomers selecting these celebratory emojis.
❤ Additionally, 20% of respondents send a heart emoji to show appreciation for a colleague’s good work. Gen Zs and Millennials are more inclined to use this emoji at 25%, while only 17% of Gen Xs and Baby Boomers prefer the heart emoji.
One millennial worker admitted he sent a red heart to his older colleague in approval of a good idea, and was met with a firm email reply, suggesting the emoji was ‘unnecessary’.
Suhini advises, “While emojis are an excellent icebreaker, typed words provide a more explicit and detailed response, reflecting the colleague has made more of an effort to reply.”
Emoji Usage Habits
Despite the growing acceptance of emojis, 33% of respondents reported that they never use emojis at work. This group includes 28% of Gen Zs and Millennial’s, 32% of Gen Xs, and 38% of Baby Boomers.
Conversely, 22% of respondents use emojis in the workplace all the time, with the highest usage among Gen Zs and Millennials (29%), and 12% of respondents reserve emojis for internal messages only.
33% of respondents use emojis exclusively with people they know. This is particularly true for 37% of Gen Xs and 43% of Baby Boomers.
Suhini says, “When using emojis in the workplace, consider applying the emoji etiquette: 1) know your audience and its preferences, 2) keep it professional and stay away from emojis possibly prone to misinterpretation, and 3) clarify your intent with clear text to ensure your message is understood. Emojis can enhance communication and foster a positive work environment, but they should be used thoughtfully and appropriately.”
“For first communications, as well as CVs, cover letters and emails with recruiters, we strongly advise staying away from emojis. And if you get the job, then is the time to send the emojis to your friends – and the champagne pop emoji is perfect.”
About people2people: people2people is an Australasian recruitment company built on an established reputation for providing professional and personalised recruitment services since early 2005. At people2people recruitment, their focus is on identifying potential today to build careers and businesses of tomorrow. Recruitment expertise includes accounting & finance, business support, executive, government, human resources, legal, marketing & digital, property, sales, supply chain management and technology.
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