Emoticons in workplace email?

Is there a place for these in workplace email? Recent research shows that 71% of professionals think it should be encouraged.

When asked this question at conferences and workshops, my answer is ‘it depends’. Yes, there is a place for them but it depends on your relationship with the other person.

I say that if there is the slightest possibility you could be misunderstood or misinterpreted by using an emoji, then simply don’t do it. On the other hand, if your relationship with the other person can handle emojis, they can certainly help to lighten the mood and humanise your messages.

As with most things in life, having the wisdom to know when to use them (or not) is the key skill.