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Why You Should Stop Saying ‘Hope You’re Well’ In Emails
A workplace expert revealed why people should stop saying ‘hope you’re well’ at the beginning of their emails.
It’s a habit that most of us are guilty of.
The art of writing emails didn’t happen overnight, and it seems the same old phrases are being regurgitated around offices all over the world.
Of course, going straight into your request sometimes feels slightly demanding.
So instead, a simple ‘hope you’re well’ sets the email off on a good tone.
Nobody knows when it was first born, but it seems that the phrase is now just a little ‘overused,’ according to workplace expert Nancy Roberts.
Speaking to Metro, she said: “It’s tired, overused and starts to feel like you haven’t thought it through.”
And it’s not the only phrase that we use too often without realizing.
‘Happy Monday’ or ‘Hope the week is off to a good start’ are also used far too often for the experts’ liking.
Of course, jumping straight into the nitty gritty of things isn’t a great alternative either.
Avoiding the niceties altogether, which is a pet peeve for the workplace expert, can be just as sigh-inducing as ‘hope you’re well.’
But apart from the phrase becoming really quite dull, there’s actually a more deeply rooted issue.
“It makes an assumption,” says Roberts.
“It presupposes that people are well because you aren’t really asking.”
She adds: “If they came back and said ‘actually, I’ve got chronic pain’ — you’d be taken aback.
“Also, you’re finding someone at work, which probably isn’t their favorite place to be.”
Thankfully, the expert has come up with some helpful suggestions to replace the phrase with.
“Hi Rachel, I’m sure you’re very busy, but I’d love to run something by you,” she notes.
A personal touch with an appreciation for their time, is apparently the new go-to.
Roberts says: “It acknowledges that you’re trespassing on their inbox because we’re all very busy, right?
“And it’s safe and shows you’re respectful of them and their time.”
She also notes that you’re implying the recipient is an ‘expert in their field,’ and that learning from their life experience would benefit you.
“Most people would find this flattering,” she says.
But contacting someone new about an opportunity or a new job, requires a slightly different approach.
She advises: “Maybe you can find a mutual connection or make a comment on the values of the company.
“It engages them in a discussion and shows you’ve done your research.”
But according to Roberts, waffling should be avoided at all costs.
Being ‘concise’ is the way to go.
“Tell me what you want from me and don’t over-pad it, which is what can happen when people try to be too polite.
“While that’s lovely, I’m busy, so be friendly but to the point.”
And after all, it’ll also save your precious time too!
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