The U.S. federal agency that mandated the '5 things' email update for government workers, initiated by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, has officially discontinued the practice, citing existing tools for accountability and management.
Understanding generational differences in communication styles is crucial in the workplace to avoid miscommunication and misunderstandings. Linguists and experts recommend recognizing how different generations behave and communicate to foster better collaboration. A quiz is provided to help individuals identify which generation their work style aligns with.
A survey of 2,000 office workers found that one in five didn't recognize any of the acronyms presented to them, highlighting the confusion surrounding workplace jargon. Surprisingly, both the older Baby Boomer generation and the younger Generation Z workers were equally unfamiliar with the abbreviations. The most identifiable acronym was W/C for "week commencing," while the least understood were WIIFM and NRN. While acronyms can streamline communication, they can also cause confusion and exclusion, according to the survey.
The biggest mistake people make when writing work emails is sending them while feeling extremely emotional, according to therapist and career coach Brandon Smith. He advises waiting 24 hours after drafting an emotional email to ensure it is not influenced by intense emotions. It is important to consider how the message may be interpreted by the recipient and seek a second opinion if unsure. Smith also suggests opting for alternative forms of communication, such as in-person or phone conversations, for more sensitive or immediate matters. Research shows that voice-based communication builds stronger emotional connections than text-based communication.
Salesforce is set to pilot its Slack AI capabilities, which include generating channel highlights and thread summaries, as well as providing elaborate answers to search queries. The AI features aim to make it easier for users to access important information and stay updated on conversations. This announcement follows Salesforce's recent rollout of a redesigned interface for its business-focused messaging app, Slack, which aims to enhance user focus by reducing clutter. More details about Slack AI and other new products are expected to be revealed at Salesforce's Dreamforce event.
Remote workers are feeling less connected to their company's mission, with only 28% reporting a sense of connection, according to a Gallup survey. This lack of alignment can negatively impact performance and loyalty. Onsite employees reported higher engagement, highlighting the importance of clear expectations, resources, and opportunities. Exceptional managers who prioritize communication can help bridge the gap. A hybrid work model, where employees work both remotely and in the office, seems to foster the highest connection to company purpose. Despite feeling less connected, remote workers are not overly concerned, with 30% working fully from home. Overall employee engagement is increasing, but stress levels are also rising, which can affect engagement.
Despite office bans on messaging app ChatGPT, some workers still want to use it for workplace communication, citing its ease of use and ability to improve employee productivity. However, companies are concerned about security risks and potential distractions, leading to the implementation of strict policies and monitoring of employee activity on messaging apps.