The shift to remote working as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic has meant a huge increase in digital communication.  It’s undoubtedly an efficient form of communication, but it also raises the prospect of misunderstanding, and even the chances of appearing rude.

New research from the University of Illinois at Chicago explores how dealing with rude emails at work can stress us out, resulting in lower wellbeing not only at work but in our personal life.  The researchers found that rude emails can impact our productivity, and even cause sleepless nights, which of course have a knock-on effect into the next day.

“Given the prevalent use of emails in the workplace, it is reasonable to conclude this problem is becoming an increasing concern,” the researchers explain.

Rudeness at work

In the first experiment, the researchers quizzed a few hundred employees about their experiences with impolite emails.  This was followed up by a diary-based study that aimed to understand the spillover effects of rude emails on various aspects of wellbeing, including quality of sleep.

The researchers discovered two main forms of rudeness in email.  An active kind, which would often involve derogatory or demeaning remarks from the sender to the recipient, and suggests that the sender is mistreating the recipient.  Then there was a more passive form of rudeness, such as ignoring the opinions or requests of the sender.  This can make it hard to know whether the receiver was simply forgetful or had deliberately ignored it.

“Because emails are securely stored, people may have a tendency to revisit a disturbing email or constantly check for a response that they requested, which may only aggravate the distress of email rudeness,” the researchers say.

The authors suggest that the best way to mitigate any stress caused by rude emails is to try and psychologically detach from any stresses at work by having digital devices switched off after work hours, while they urge managers to have clear and reasonable expectations regarding manners in email communication.

“It should be noted that efforts to address email rudeness should not be interpreted as the same as creating pressure for employees and managers to always check their email and respond to emails (i.e., telepressure),” the researchers conclude. “On the contrary, setting clear and reasonable communications norms can prove effective in addressing both.”