Should you add an angry face to a workplace email? uOttawa study looks at emoji use at work

A stock photo of someone using emojis while texting. (File)

Adding an angry face or a similar negative emoji to a workplace email or text message are “considered inappropriate” for professional communications, as they make the sender “seem less competent,” according to a new study.

Researchers at the University of Ottawa explored the role emojis play in shaping perceptions of competence and appropriateness in professional emails and communications.

The study, released on Wednesday, looks at how the use of positive, negative and neutral emojis influences perceptions of competence and appropriateness of men and women sending messages in the workplace, and whether the use of emojis enhances or undermines professional image in professional settings.

A total of 243 men and women undergraduate students participated in the online study, looking at a variety of short text messages that would be sent in the workplace.

This is an example of some of the positive, negative or neutral text messages, which were paired with either a positive emoji (grinning face), a negative emoji (angry face) or no emoji.

• “We have great new office chairs”
• “Just attended another super effective presentation”
• “Can I have Tuesday off”
• “Is there a meeting today”
• “This is going to ruin my project”
• “He never listens to anyone’s ideas”

According to the University of Ottawa, the study, titled “Emojis at Work: The Effects of Emoji Use of Perceptions of Competence and Appropriateness,” found messages with no emojis were “clearly the winner, making the sender appear more competent and professional.”

“Positive emojis enhanced impressions when paired with a neutral or positive message,” uOttawa said.

“Negative emojis were consistently considered inappropriate for workplace communication as they made the sender seem less competent, especially when the message itself was already positive or neutral.”

The study also says women taking part in the study “perceived negative emojis sent by women senders more negatively than those sent by men.”

Lead author Erin L. Courtice says the study shows you should be mindful of the potential impact of emojis in professional interactions.

“Emojis are not simply neutral add-ons to text messages; they can influence how others perceive us, particularly in terms of competence and appropriateness,” Courtice said in a statement released by uOttawa.

“By understanding the nuances of emoji use, professionals can leverage these digital tools to enhance their communication and build stronger workplace relationships.”

Courtice and the research team say their findings “highlight the importance of being mindful about the potential impact of emojis” in workplace communications.

“Emojis are not simply neutral add-ons to text messages; they can influence how others perceive us, particularly in terms of competence and appropriateness,” said the study, published in Collabra: Psychology.

“Positive emojis can enhance perceptions of competence when used appropriately, but they should be used cautiously when the message conveys negative information. Negative emojis should generally be avoided, as they can decrease perceptions of competence regardless of the message content.”

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