How Acceptable are Emoticons for the Office?

Should workers hit "send" on that smiley face? As with most things, moderation is key, new research from staffing firm OfficeTeam suggests. Nearly four in 10 (39 percent) senior managers interviewed said it's unprofessional to include emojis or emoticons in work communications, but 61 percent stated it's OK, at least in certain situations. When office workers were asked how they feel about these symbols, 59 percent said they never or only sparingly use them, while 41 percent send them at least sometimes. 

The surveys of senior managers and workers includes responses from more than 300 senior managers at U.S. companies with 20 or more employees, and more than 350 U.S. workers 18 years or older and employed in office environments.

OfficeTeam offers workers five tips for using emojis and emoticons:

1. Limit it. Use emojis and emoticons minimally, if at all. Going overboard with these icons could annoy others and muddle your message.
2. Consider your audience. Be mindful of the corporate culture and your relationship with those you're communicating to. Sending an occasional smiley face to a work friend may be OK, but is less so when interacting with your boss or company leaders.      
3. Evaluate the situation. Including these images can add levity, but it depends on the topic. Leave them out when discussing serious matters, as it can appear awkward or rude.       
4. Stick to what you know. Don't use an emoji or emoticon if you aren't absolutely certain what it represents and how it will be received. Some symbols can be taken the wrong way or have multiple meanings.  
5. Just say it. When in doubt, rely on words to get your point across. Opt for in-person or phone discussions with colleagues if it's helpful to see facial expressions or hear vocal inflections.