Most Inappropriate Emojis at Work, From ‘Peaches’ to ‘Eggplants’
Workplace communication has evolved into a more loose and casual way of speaking that often goes beyond words. Conversations once only meant for social media or chatting with a friend have worked their way into professional workspaces.
WordFinder, a subscription-based dictionary service, conducted a survey to find out how emoji impact tone and emotions in professional emails and messages. To get these insights they surveyed over 1,000 employees who work from home (WFH). They explored the nuances of emoji use in their work communications to uncover patterns in their perceptions. Additionally, they examined whether emojis should be reserved for fun or if they hold deeper significance in conveying emotions, clarifying messages, or even shaping workplace relationships.
Are emojis in work communications unprofessional?
The survey revealed that 44 percent of WFH employees think using emojis in work communications is unprofessional. It also found that Gen Zers and millennials are more comfortable using emoji than their older colleagues.
If you’re curious about how often emojis are used at the workplace, the study points out that only 8 percent of people always use them. On the other hand, only 29 percent never use emojis, and 63 percent sometimes use emojis. It’s worth mentioning that 84 percent of those surveyed often use emojis when communicating with peers versus clients (20 percent) and supervisors (39 percent).
According to remote workers, a beer mug is the most inappropriate emoji to use at work. The face with rolling eyes takes the top spot when it comes to the most passive-aggressive emoji. Meanwhile, the most confusing emoji, according to the survey, is the upside-down face.
Looking at gender perspectives, women ranked the eggplant and peach emoji as the most inappropriate choice. However, men considered the beer mug and kiss mark emoji the least suitable for work.
The survey also examines how remote workers handle messaging and their response expectations. Take a look at the complete findings here.
These Emojis Can Make People Like You
Just using an emoji makes you more likeable
According to Adobe, 73 percent of those surveyed think that just using an emoji in your messages makes you cooler, friendlier, and funnier. This applies both in the workplace and in your personal life!
Girl texting on her bed
Any emoji will help get your point across in a friendlier way
According to Adobe, a whopping 91 percent of people in their emoji survey said that the emoji brings levity to conversations. Moreover, moreover 60 percent of those surveyed believed emojis can boost our overall mental health.
Woman texting on her phone
Best emojis for dating
According to Adobe, there are certain emojis that are perfect when dating. They are totally no surprise. The three emoji that will make you more appealing to a lover are 😘, 🥰, or 😍. I use all three of those!
Young woman using dating app on phone
Worst emojis for dating
If you’re trying to put your best foot forward, don’t use emojis that will turn someone off in a dating situation. The emojis that are most likely to turn people off are 💩, 😠, and 🍆, according to Adobe. Yeah, those are gross.
Woman rejecting a date
Avoid these misunderstood emojis
The most misunderstood emojis, according to Adobe, are 🤠, 🍒, and 🙃. I mean, who doesn’t get a cherry? It’s a cherry emoji. Nothing to misunderstand here. And, the cowboy surprises me, too. It’s a cowboy, plain and simple.
Confused woman
These are emoji users' favorite emojis to make people like you
Here we go! According to the report, emojis users’ top five favorite emojis are 😂, 👍, ❤️, 🤣 and 😢. I would use the crying one sparingly. But, it totally makes sense that the laughing fact would be No. 1. That’s such a popular emoji!
Happy woman on phone
