Are email sign-offs becoming old-school?

Workplace language is evolving to be more casual, a new survey has revealed - with “Yours truly” topping the list of formalities that workers believe are “due for retirement”.

“Yours sincerely” and “To whom it may concern” are also predicted to become “extinct” from workplace lingo within the next decade, according to a recent survey of more than 2,000 workers carried out by Barclays LifeSkills.

But despite 41% of respondents predicting that the old-school “Yours truly” will be out on its ear, the study pointed to a “fine line” between friendliness and over-familiarity, said Metro - with 26% believing that “Hiya” strays into the latter category.

What’s driving the shift?

Nearly three-quarters believe that Gen-Z are changing the formality of workplace language - and the same proportion also reported becoming more casual in their own communication.

Unsurprisingly, social media was cited as a contributor to this trend. But while 39% of over 55s believed it to be the biggest factor, just under a quarter of those aged 18-24 felt the same.

What else might be going on?

The widespread use of online messaging platforms - such as Slack or Microsoft Teams - may also play a part, “especially as companies offer their employees the ability to work remote[ly]”, said The Independent.

Gen Z were twice as likely to use such platforms at work compared to over 55s, the survey found. “[They] offer more options to share individuality,” said Barclays LifeSkills, “from emoji reactions through to gifs and images”.

Okay - but how should we be signing off our emails?

Ultimately, it’s all down to personal preference (and perhaps the vibe of your own workplace). “Try signing off with ‘Best’ or ‘Thanks’ – or just your name,” advised The Guardian. “Honestly, nobody minds any more.”