How emojis helped transform the hybrid workplace

The shift toward hybrid and remote work has left a gap in organizations. Because of this, companies had to find creative ways to connect with their peers and convey messages or emotions through the screen.

In a recent poll by workplace messaging platform Slack and language learning app Duolingo, 58% of participants globally believed that emojis at work provide more nuance in fewer words, while 54% believed emojis provide greater efficiency in communication.

The Slack survey also reported that Indian, Chinese, and American workers are most likely to find emoji-less texts or messages lacking, especially compared with global respondents.

Slack Senior Director of Product Management Olivia Grace said emojis “let people convey a broad range of emotions efficiently and in a way that words sometimes can’t.”

Moreover, it helps add a “little color, depth, and fun to work.”

And the survey predicts that the use of emojis at work will grow as digital-native generations take over the job market.

Beware of ambiguous meanings

Emojis like 💸, 🍑, 🙂can have different connotations depending on the country, culture, or age-group.

Due to this, Slack and Duolingo are urging workers to be careful in sending emojis with ambiguous meanings. 

As Hope Wilson, the learning and curriculum manager at Duolingo, who has a doctorate in Slavic linguistics, says, “Emoji communication breakdowns happen for the same reasons as all language breakdowns.”

So, whether you are an employer, veteran team leader, or an entry-level associate, remember to use emojis responsibly and respectfully. 

Yes, connecting with whoever you are doing business with online is great. However, you also don’t want to risk offending or turning them off with your excessive use of emojis in conversations. 😉

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