Formal work phrases are becoming obsolete.

It could be the end of the old-school email sign-offs and formalities as a report has revealed that three quarters of employees think the younger generation are changing language in the workplace.
Gone are the days of 'Yours Truly' and 'To Whom It May Concern', as 'Hiya' and 'Thanks!' are now the top phrases of choice in the workplace.

A recent survey from Barclays LifeSkills revealed that 41% of people think we'll see the back of 'Yours Truly', 36% think 'Yours Sincerely' will soon be out of the office, and 35% gave the death sentence to 'To Whom It May Concern'.
Around a third of people also think that 'With Compliments' and 'Respects' will soon be a thing of the past.

Two thousand Brits took part in the survey and voted for 'Hiya' and 'Thanks!' as the most friendly greetings. However, there is a fine line between friendliness and overfamiliarity. 29% of people thought that signing off with 'Ta!' would be a step too far.

In the last five years, more than two thirds of employees have noticed a shift in workplace language, and 73% of all age groups have become more casual in their own communications. It's no surprise that the younger generation are at the forefront of this change, as 97% of them expressed a desire to show their personality in their workplace exchanges, and were almost twice as likely to use instant messaging platforms than the over 55s.

Kirstie Mackey, Head of Barclays LifeSkills commented: 'Our research shows that the next generation are clearly going to make their mark on the workforce when it comes to how we communicate. The shift to more personable language is a positive one, however it’s important to demonstrate an understanding of social etiquette in the workplace, which does differ from school or university. Striking the right balance whilst still displaying your personality through your communications is key.'

Dr Laura Bailey, Senior Lecturer in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Kent, said: 'Changing norms in the workplace are reflected in the language younger employees use, and the way communication has changed in general. Email threads and instant messaging platforms have become blended into "conversations" where formal openings and sign-offs might feel out of place.'

It's clear that Gen Z are setting the trend in the workplace and changing language as we know it. With 'Hiya' and 'Thanks!' now being the top phrases of choice, there's no doubt that the older expressions of 'Yours Truly' and 'To Whom It May Concern' are soon to become extinct.

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