This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
With the recent spotlight on sexual harassment in the workplace, many employees are left wondering if using emojis can put them at risk of being accused of harassment.
Published on August 23, 2019, Mwikali Muthiani, Managing Partner of MillennialHR, weighed in on the issue, stating that emojis are here to stay and employers need to rethink their strategy.
According to Muthiani, the use of emojis can be perceived differently by various generations in the workplace. While some may view emojis as a creative and innovative way to communicate, others may see them as unprofessional or lazy.
However, Muthiani emphasized that emojis can also be used to perpetuate harassment, bullying, and other inappropriate behavior. Emojis that convey messages around kissing, love, or broken-hearted symbols have no place in the office, and those that show extreme anger or finger pointing can be perceived as bullying.
Moreover, Muthiani warned that emojis can be misunderstood to imply approval or agreement, which can create confusion and expose the organization to legal claims. A thumbs up sign, for example, is no guarantee of a signed agreement, unless there is a policy that says so.
On the other hand, when used appropriately, emojis can create a positive workplace vibe. Muthiani emphasized the importance of exercising caution when using emojis and thinking carefully about the message they communicate.
Mwikali Muthiani - Managing Partner, MillennialHR
