SEOUL (ANN/KOREA HERALD) – Emojis have become a significant part of everyday communication, but how well do they fit into the corporate world?
While some find these symbols useful for workplace interactions, others view them as unprofessional.
According to a recent survey by the tutoring platform Preply, over 60 per cent of workers in South Korea use emojis at work. However, their use with senior colleagues is far less common, with only 30.6 per cent of senior managers and 24 per cent of CEOs receiving them.
One user on Blind, an anonymous online platform for verified employees, raised a question about using emojis with senior colleagues. A respondent advised, “Don’t do it, especially heart emojis.”
Visual cues in communication
For most emoji users surveyed, these symbols provide valuable visual cues to express emotions, adding nuance to text-based communication. In situations where plain text could be misinterpreted, emojis help prevent misunderstandings and resolve potential conflicts.
As one Instagram user, itstaehyunie, commented in response to The Korea Herald’s survey on Instagram Stories, emojis convey “emotion and tone” that might otherwise be lost in “monotone text.”
Emojis are often used as a social tool, with 33 per cent of surveyed users employing them to build friendly connections with colleagues, while 26 per cent use them to foster closer relationships.
Choi Chang-hyun, an office worker in Seoul, said that using emojis creates a more approachable and collaborative environment. “When used appropriately, emojis contribute to a positive working atmosphere, improving communication and cooperation,” he explained.
Another Instagram user, nadiarausa, shared similar sentiments: “Emojis help me understand the other party better and communicate more effectively.”
In group chatrooms, emojis are also used as quick acknowledgements. Instead of a full response, users may reply with an emoji or reaction. However, this can be seen as insincere or impolite, especially if responding to senior colleagues who might prefer a more formal reply.
Instagram user borislianto suggested that emoji use in the workplace will likely increase with younger generations. “As Gen Z rises in the workforce, emoji usage will only grow.”
Too Casual for Some
Despite their popularity, some workers find emojis unsuitable for formal business settings. “It’s hard to understand why people use them. They feel immature and unprofessional,” commented one Blind user.
Park Ji-hyun, another office worker in Seoul, believes it’s safer to avoid them altogether. “Emojis can be a double-edged sword in business contexts. Depending on the situation and the recipient, they could elicit either a positive or negative reaction,” Park noted, adding that this becomes more critical when dealing with senior colleagues.
Instagram user jacodex echoed this sentiment, warning against using “playful” emojis, which could come across as too casual or inappropriate in professional conversations.
Some users on Blind also reported that emojis sometimes lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Given the wide variety of emojis available, it’s crucial to choose appropriate ones for the context.
Kim Jae-hoon, 33, advised adopting a minimalist approach: “Stick to basic emojis.” He recommended avoiding overly casual or humorous symbols and sticking to simple, default emojis.
For those less familiar with digital symbols, like Lee, who is in her mid-50s, text-based emoticons such as two carets (^^), which represent smiling eyes in South Korea, offer a simpler alternative. “It feels inappropriate to use anything beyond basic characters from the keyboard,” she remarked.
As Instagram user amelialikeum pointed out, emojis should be used to “enhance the message” rather than serve as the main mode of communication. The key is understanding when and how to use them.
“If you’re unsure,” Kim advised, “it’s better to avoid them altogether.”
