WhatsApp is now an integral part of the work culture, with many day-to-day operations being run on the app itself.
It is a wonderful platform to get things done faster, communicate with employees one on one and also gives an easier way to be approachable to the new additions in the company.
However, with the platform, also comes a new way to communicate, which is generally much more casual and informal than your regular email.
This has now, created a bit of problem since it seems that people are not able to understand the boundaries of a work or professional WhatsApp chat and are being a little too friendly than needed.
The issue was highlighted when I came across this Facebook post, on how a professional was acting with a female senior on a WhatsApp chat.
It further highlighted how there are quite a few emojis that are being misused in the work WhatsApp chat and that really needs to change.
Here are 10 of them that should not be used in a professional chat, no matter whether it is Facebook, WhatsApp, or any other platform:
#1. Kiss Face Emoji
A kiss face, whistling face and more are an absolute no-no when it comes to work WhatsApp chats. They are suitable only for chats between close friends or on a personal level.
But when it comes to professional chats, whether it is on PM (private message) or a group chat, kiss face emojis display an extreme lack of professional conduct.
#2. Angry Face Emoji
Angry emoji of all kinds honestly, should be limited to private messages between friends and personal relations.
Sending such an emoji especially as a reply to what a senior person or management is saying can come out as disrespectful to their position of authority.
#3. Rolling Eyes Emojis
Again, the rolling eye emoji if sent as a reply to something that a senior has sent, whether a task or just some reprimand or even a notice, that the employees have to be careful about is an absolute no.
Not only is it disrespectful and sarcastic but also shows that you as an employee do not care to improve as a part of the team. It’s almost like mocking them and can be taken offensively.
#4. Red Hearts And Pink Hearts
Red or pink hearts especially these kinds can be very distracting in a work WhatsApp chat and can be overly informal and lovey-dovey.
As a substitute for this, if you want to show gratitude or just a general air of love for something in the workgroup, it is better to use hearts of colours other than red and pink since they lean more towards a romantic notion.
The blue, yellow, purple, and even black hearts can be used without them being over the top.
#5. Shit Emoji
This emoji is not good for whatever message, and just disrupts a certain way of serious/professional conduct that a work chat calls for.
Read More: The Rules For Flirting At Workplace Without Being A Creep
#6. Tongue Out Emoji
The tongue out emoji and not just this one, but all its variations, when talking to a senior or on the work group can be extremely informal and shows a lack of respect for authority or the workplace.
#7. Thirsty Emoji
The thirsty face emoji, pregnant emojis and more have no place on a professional WhatsApp chat since they are double meaning and suggestive in nature.
#8. Monkey Emoji
#9. Facepalm Emoji
This can be allowed given the context. Suppose someone has posted about a current event or posted about some bizarre news that warrants this expression then it is fine. But just like the rolling eye emoji this emoji should never be used as an actual reply to an actual message on the group.
Doesn’t matter if a senior has sent some message or even if just a colleague has made some suggestion or pointed out something, this emoji should never be used on the work group in those contexts.
It is not only disrespectful but in case of some suggestion, it could be quite discouraging an open and free space for discussion.
#10. Double Meaning Emojis
Emojis that have sexual meanings like this, or the peach or eggplant emoji, tongue emoji, water droplets emojis should be strictly avoided in a work chat.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: HuffPost, Business.com, The Muse
Find The Blogger at @chirali_08
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