Research shows that phrases like “Yours faithfully” will become extinct over the next decade as language becomes less formal due to instant messaging.
Research into workplace emails shows that starting with ‘Dear’ will soon be a thing of the past.
The influence of text messaging and the rise of working from home have made offices more informal and relaxed, reflecting the way we write.
Emails are now more likely to end work with ‘Kind regards’ or ‘Many thanks’, with younger workers even choosing phrases like ‘Cheers’, ‘Ta’, ‘Speak soon’ or ‘TY’ – short for thank you .
According to a survey of 2,000 people by Barclays LifeSkills, 37 percent described ‘Yours faithfully’ as ‘old-fashioned’, while 10 percent found it ‘boring’.
Research into workplace emails shows that starting with ‘Dear’ will soon be a thing of the past (stock image)
Meanwhile, 6 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds said they found the phrase “intimidating.”
‘Greetings’ is considered ‘formal’ and ‘boring’ by 46 percent and 11 percent of respondents respectively.
In contrast, “Best Wishes” is considered “friendly” by 41 percent and “warm” by 24 percent.
Starting an email with “Dear” is also falling out of favor, as 35 percent describe it as “old-fashioned” and 9 percent find it “boring.”
“Hi” may seem overly casual, but younger employees wouldn’t blink an eye if they received an email that starts this way.
Only 17 percent of 18 to 24 year olds find it too familiar, while this is as high as 34 percent of 45 to 54 year olds. A total of 42 percent find it ‘friendly’.
Many are noticing this shift, with 71 percent saying “the younger generation is changing the formality of language in the workplace” and 69 percent believing idioms have evolved over the past five years.
Reliance on technology such as instant messaging platforms at work is seen as the biggest factor at 34 percent.
Working from home and Gen Z entering the workplace are also cited as a major influence.
Four in ten (41 percent) believe ‘Yours faithfully’ will become ‘extinct’ in the next decade and 36 percent say no one will use ‘Yours faithfully’ in the same time frame.
Other expressions that will become extinct include “To whom it may concern,” “With compliments,” and the use of “Dear.”
But the research suggests that more modern email unsubscribes may not be a hit with everyone.
To bridge the gap between different generations and seniority levels in the workplace, using ‘Kind regards’ seems to be the best and safest option.
While 51 percent consider the term formal, many feel that “Kind regards” strikes the right balance. Many think it also sounds ‘friendly’ (34 percent) and ‘warm’ (20 percent). Only 17 percent think it is old-fashioned.
Exclamation marks should also be handled with care. More than half (54 percent) say their overuse is “unprofessional,” and 41 percent say those who use them in work emails come across as “too enthusiastic.”
Kirstie Mackey (pictured), head of Barclays LifeSkills, said: ‘Our research shows that the next generation will clearly make their mark on the workforce when it comes to the way we communicate’
Kirstie Mackey, head of Barclays LifeSkills, said: ‘Our research shows that the next generation will clearly make their mark on the workforce when it comes to the way we communicate.’
She added: ‘The shift towards more personal language is positive, but it is important to demonstrate an understanding of social etiquette in the workplace, which differs from school or university.
‘Finding the right balance and still showing your personality in your communication is essential.’
Dr. Laura Bailey, Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Kent, said: ‘Changing norms in the workplace are reflected in the language used by younger workers and in the way communication in general has changed.
‘Email threads and instant messaging platforms have become intermingled with ‘conversations’ where formal openings and signings may seem out of place.
“For the older generation, letter-writing etiquette may be so ingrained that it is instinctive in every written communication, while for Generation Z, social media has driven language change and accelerated the spread of language trends.”