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Can I just check — are my emails holding me back at work?!
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Can I just check — are my emails holding me back at work?!

Yasmin Rufo
BBC News, 2025
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“Sorry to bother you, I know you’re busy, but I’m just following up! I hope that’s OK, but no worries if it’s not! Thanks so much! XXX.” If you are a chronic people pleaser, your work emails are likely riddled with apologies, exclamation marks, emoji, and even kisses. While the tone might exude warmth and friendliness, it lacks professionalism. Such a meek communication style might even be holding you back at work. Yasmin Rufo, a culture and arts journalist for BBC News, explores how refining the tone and delivery of your emails can help you be taken more seriously in the workplace.

Summary

A more professional email tone can positively influence how others perceive you at work.

At work, most people — particularly women — strive to strike a warm, genial tone in email communications. Because an email’s intent must be conveyed via text alone, without the aid of facial expressions, body language, or vocal tone, many people overcompensate by using exclamation points, emoji, apologies, or even affectionate sign-offs. While these choices might convey friendliness and approachability, they can undermine perceptions of professionalism.

Adopt a more restrained approach to punctuation.

People have become reliant on exclamation points to put a positive, enthusiastic spin on their emails. Research published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that women...

About the Author

Yasmin Rufo is a culture and arts journalist for BBC News. She specializes in reporting on stories relevant to youth audiences.

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