In short, using emojis on LinkedIn can be beneficial when used appropriately and in moderation. An occasional emoji in your posts or comments can help add some personality and lightheartedness. However, overusing emojis or using them in formal communications can come across as unprofessional.
When are emojis appropriate on LinkedIn?
Here are some instances where an emoji or two may work well on the platform:
- In your profile summary or about section – An emoji or two can help showcase your personality.
- When posting casual updates, lighthearted content or “watercooler conversations” – Emojis can help set the tone and make your post more approachable and shareable.
- Reacting to others’ posts and comments – Using a thumbs up, clapping hands, or smiley face emoji instead of just “liking” can show extra enthusiasm.
- Engaging with your connections by commenting on their updates – An occasional emoji in your comments can come across as friendly.
- In private messages or chat conversations on LinkedIn – Emojis can help convey tone and emotion when communicating one-on-one.
- In SlideShare presentations – The occasional emoji in presentations can help make content more visually engaging.
When should you avoid emojis on LinkedIn?
There are also many instances where emojis may not be appropriate on a professional platform like LinkedIn:
- In your headline, job title or company name – These key profile details should remain professional.
- When messaging recruiters or potential employers – First impressions are important, so avoid emojis here.
- In job applications, resumes or cover letters – Formal business communications should remain professional.
- When posting content related to serious or sensitive topics – Emojis may seem inappropriate or trivialize the issue.
- In long-form posts – Overusing emojis can make the post seem cluttered.
- In team or company updates – These are often formal announcements, so avoid emojis.
- In sponsored or promoted posts – Brands often avoid emojis to maintain a professional image.
Tips for using emojis effectively on LinkedIn
If you do decide to use emojis on LinkedIn, keep these tips in mind:
- Use sparingly – Just 1-2 per post/comment is plenty.
- Don’t overdo it – Avoid using multiple emojis in a row or in every sentence.
- Choose universal emojis – Opt for common emojis like smiles and thumbs up that translate well across cultures.
- Don’t replace words – Emojis should complement your text, not replace it.
- Consider your audience – What seems fun to you may not align with your audience’s expectations.
- Monitor reactions – If you don’t get positive feedback, emojis may not be working for your audience.
- Stay on brand – Ensure your emojis align with your personal or company branding.
Why some people argue against using emojis on LinkedIn
There are a few common arguments against using emojis on a professional platform like LinkedIn:
- Seems unprofessional – Some view emojis as overly casual for a business setting.
- Can be misunderstood – The meaning and intent behind emojis can get lost across cultures.
- Comes across as immature – Overusing emojis may make you seem less serious.
- Distracts from content – Emojis can be distracting if overused on long posts.
- Less accessible – Screen readers may not convey emojis well for visually impaired users.
These are valid concerns. That’s why it’s important to use discretion and emoji best practices if you do choose to use them on LinkedIn.
Studies on how emojis impact perceptions
Some studies have looked at how emojis impact the way messages and messengers are perceived:
- A 2016 study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that using positive emojis makes the sender seem more likable and competent.
- However, a 2017 study in the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking concluded that emails with a smiley face were viewed as less professional and competent than those without one.
- Research published in the journal Technology, Mind and Behavior in 2020 indicated using emojis improves perceptions of warmth but also decreases perceptions of competence in business communications.
- So study results seem a bit mixed. Context seems to play a key role, with emojis in informal communications viewed positively but emojis in formal business communications viewed more negatively.
Best practices for emojis in business communications
Based on the existing research, here are some best practices for using emojis in business communications like those on LinkedIn:
- Use sparingly in formal communications – Avoid overuse in things like resumes, cover letters, client emails, etc.
- Include thoughtfully in internal communications – An occasional emoji with coworkers can signal warmth.
- Display caution with external communications – Think twice before using emojis with people you don’t know well.
- Limit emojis with senior colleagues – Use judiciously with leadership since perceptions vary.
- Set organization policy if needed – Some companies establish emoji guidelines as part of their brand.
- Monitor reactions – How coworkers react to emojis can provide valuable insights.
- When in doubt, leave them out – Err on the side of caution in formal communications.
Why people use emojis in business communications
Here are some of the reasons people choose to use emojis in work communications:
- To soften a message – Emojis can take some of the harshness out of constructive feedback or tough news.
- To indicate tone – Emojis provide emotional cues that plain text lacks.
- To lighten the mood – Emojis can inject some levity and fun into everyday work conversations.
- To strengthen connections – Thoughtful emoji use can build relationships and rapport with colleagues.
- To stand out – Some job seekers use emojis sparingly to personalize formal communications.
- To portray a culture – Emojis can signal a fun, informal company culture.
- To enhance engagement – Social media posts with emojis tend to garner more likes, shares and comments.
So when used deliberately, a few emojis here and there can help strengthen coworker relationships and display personality when appropriate. Just be cautious not to let emoji use become excessive or replace substantive communication.
Generational differences in emoji use at work
Views on workplace emojis vary somewhat across generations:
- Baby Boomers: Tend to dislike emojis in business communications and view them as unprofessional.
- Gen X: More open to emojis but still judicious about using them at work. They may use sparingly with internal teams.
- Millennials: Comfortable incorporating emojis into internal chats and emails with colleagues. Use them to build rapport.
- Gen Z: Grew up with emojis and will naturally incorporate them into workplace communications. But also follow etiquette.
Younger generations see emojis as a natural part of communication, while older generations may dislike them in professional settings. Tailoring emoji use to your audience is important.
How to reassure emoji skeptics at work
If some of your colleagues are emoji-averse, you can help them become more comfortable with occasional workplace emojis by:
- Being judicious about emoji use yourself
- Explaining how a few emojis can soften tone
- Pointing to data showing emojis improve engagement
- Suggesting trying emojis internally first vs. externally
- Providing examples of companies using emojis well on social
- Highlighting that emojis are optional and not obligatory
- Recommending avoiding overuse so emojis remain professional
- Encouraging feedback so you can find right emoji balance
With a thoughtful approach focused on communication enhancement vs. replacement, even emoji skeptics may come around over time.
Key takeaways on using emojis on LinkedIn and other professional platforms
A few key takeaways to keep in mind:
- Use emojis sparingly and only when appropriate on professional platforms like LinkedIn.
- Avoid emojis in formal communications like resumes, cover letters and client pitches.
- Monitor reactions carefully, as emoji perceptions vary based on audience and context.
- Younger generations see emojis as natural but older generations may view them as unprofessional.
- Set organization guidelines if emojis may impact your brand and image.
- With thoughtful usage focused on enhancing connections, emojis can benefit workplace communications.
