RIP Yours Sincerely

About 8 years ago I wrote a blog post entitled https://stephenliddell.co.uk/2015/06/13/yours-sincerely-the-story-of-valedictions/

Even though it was partly hinted at all those years ago, a new study into workplace emails suggests that starting with ‘Dear’ will also soon become thing of the past.

Phrases such as ‘Yours sincerely’ will die out in the next ten years as language becomes less formal due to instant messaging, according to research.

The influence of text messaging and the rise in home working has made offices more informal and relaxed, which reflects how we write.

Meanwhile, 6 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds said they found the phrase ‘intimidating’.

‘Regards’ is viewed as ‘formal’ and ‘boring’ by 46 per cent and 11 per cent of respondents, respectively.

By contrast, ‘Best wishes’ is considered ‘friendly’ by 41 per cent, and ‘warm’ by 24 per cent.

Starting an email with ‘Dear’ is also falling out of favour as 35 per cent describe it as ‘old fashioned’ and 9 per cent say its ‘boring’.

Hiya’ may seem overly casual, but younger workers would not bat an eyelid when receiving an email starting this way.

Just 17 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds think of it as over-familiar, although this soars to 34 per cent of those aged 45 to 54. Overall, 42 per cent consider it to be ‘friendly’.

Many are noticing this shift with 71 per cent saying ‘the younger generation are changing the formality of language in the workplace’ and 69 per cent believing that phrases have evolved over the past five years.

Personally though I work for myself now, I always found it suspicious when managers at work would pretend to be friendly and modern. Who were they kidding, they are still in charge and generally make life hell… well I did by and large work for awful and often bankrupt organisations which is just one reason I work for myself! I was much happier when their written word matched their pay-grade.

Reliance on technology such as instant messaging platforms at work is seen as the biggest single factor, at 34 per cent.

Working from home and Gen Z entering the workplace are also cited as having a major influence.

41 per cent – believe ‘Yours truly’ will become ‘extinct’ in the next 10 years and 36 per cent say no one will use ‘Yours sincerely’ within the same timeframe.

Other phrases set to die out include ‘To whom it may concern’, ‘With compliments’ and the use of ‘Dear’.

But the research suggests more modern email sign-offs may not hit the mark with everyone.

To bridge the gap between different generations and levels of seniority in the workplace, using ‘Kind regards’ would seem the best and safest option.

While 51 per cent consider the term formal, ‘Kind regards’ is felt to strike the right balance by many who say it also sounds ‘friendly’ (34 per cent) and ‘warm’ (20 per cent). Only 17 per cent consider it old fashioned.

Exclamation marks are to be treated with caution too. More than half – 54 per cent – say overusing them is ‘unprofessional’, and 41 per cent say those who use them in work emails come across as ‘too enthusiastic’.

Finally something in the survey I whole heartedly agree with!!!!!!!!!!!

Kirstie Mackey, head of Barclays LifeSkills, said: ‘Our research shows the next generation are clearly going to make their mark on the workforce when it comes to how we communicate’

Kirstie Mackey, head of Barclays LifeSkills, said: ‘The shift to more personable language is a positive one, however it’s important to demonstrate an understanding of social etiquette in the workplace, which does differ from school or university.

‘Striking the right balance whilst still displaying your personality through your communications is key.’

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 younger employees use, and the way communication has changed in general.

‘Email threads and instant messaging platforms have become blended into ‘conversations’ where formal openings and sign-offs might feel out of place.

‘For the older generation, letter-writing etiquette might be drilled in enough that it is instinctive in any written communication, whereas for Gen Z, social media has driven linguistic change and sped up the spread of language trends.

Personally for work related emails, if it is someone outside the company who I don’t know very well at all or is someone I know to be a senior figure in either by age, position or experience, I will always use ‘Dear’ and terms such as ‘Yours Sincerely’ just to show respect and be professional.

I get lots of spam and junk emails and nothing gets an email sent to me deleted quicker than a “Hi” or even worse the American (sorry) term ‘Hey’ which at least when I was growing up would mean you had been caught doing something wrong or were going to be in trouble whether you did something or not.

If you’re approaching me for a business relationship and most likely to sell me stuff, I’m not your friend, I don’t know you so it Dear Sir, Mr. Liddell or Stephen thank-you very much or rather Yours Sincerely.