Emojional intelligence

If you’re not already using emojis, you’re in danger of getting left behind. According to emoji experts, over six billion are sent daily via smartphones alone. There’s even a World Emoji Day. (July 19th, since you ask.)

Now they’re spreading, like yellow-faced Gremlins, into the workplace. Many users like them because they’re quick to use, (almost) universally understood and can strike a friendly note in otherwise dour communications. They can also help clarify when a writer is being ironic – that winking face has probably prevented millions of bust-ups caused by irony being notoriously tricky to identify in email form.

Anyway, we’ve put together a list of ten ‘essential’ HR messages coded into emoji. Why not make up your own and share them with us?

Oh no – it’s the time of year when we have to do appraisals.

 This shared parental leave business is making me increasingly confused.

Hell – that cheeky scamp has accepted a counter-offer.

 Hide! That arse from the agency is in reception again.

My candidate has cold feet. Should I offer a signing-on bonus?

Yikes! Better run this past the unions.

If the line manager says no I’m going to become rather perturbed.

The IT Director is cute but he’s hardly a model professional.

Is it just me or are the graduates disengaged?

Thanks for the help. I love you even more than I love Peter Cheese.

About the author

Andrew Baird

Andrew is the CEO of HRville. He is also Employer Brand Director of Blackbridge Communications, Editorial Director of Professionals in Law and an associate of The Smarty Train. Previously, he was the MD of TCS Advertising.