Workplace Experts Call Time on Tired Email Greetings
A new email arrives in your inbox, and there it sits: 'Hi there, I hope you're well.' Much like the uninspired dating app opener 'hey, you okay?', this line has become objectively dull through overuse. Yet countless professionals continue to deploy it automatically. Now, workplace management experts are declaring this adage officially tired and urging employees to embrace more inventive alternatives.
The Problem with Generic Greetings
'It's tired, overused, and starts to feel like you haven't thought it through,' workplace management expert Nancy Roberts explains. 'It doesn't make me want to read the rest of the email.' Beyond mere dullness, Roberts highlights a more significant issue with the phrase. 'It makes an assumption,' she adds. 'It presupposes that people are well because you aren't really asking. If they came back and said "Actually, I've got chronic pain," you'd be taken aback. Also, you're finding someone at work, which probably isn't their favourite place to be.'
This critique extends to other generic phrases like 'Happy Monday' or 'Hope the week is off to a good start.' Let's be realistic—is anyone genuinely happy on a Monday morning? However, experts caution against swinging too far in the opposite direction by eliminating pleasantries altogether. 'I don't like it when people are rude,' Roberts clarifies. 'By that I mean they've said "Nancy, here's the files—thanks." It only takes a second to put in something more polite and soft, so I'd rather have someone use a trite phrase than nothing at all... but you can do better than trite.'
Effective Alternatives to Common Email Openers
What should professionals say instead? Several approaches can make emails more engaging. For a quick, generic phrase that won't annoy colleagues or acquaintances, try this: 'Hi Rachel, I'm sure you're very busy, but I'd love to run something by you.' Roberts praises this approach as an excellent way to add personal touch, even when you don't know the recipient well. 'It acknowledges that you're trespassing on their inbox because we're all very busy, right? And it's safe and shows you're respectful of them and their time,' she says. 'You're implying they're an expert in their field too and that you'd like to learn from them or get advice, which most people will find flattering.'
When emailing someone new for a job opportunity, Roberts suggests standing out with more personalized content by researching the company and individual on LinkedIn. 'Maybe you can find a mutual connection or make a comment on the values of the company,' she advises. 'It engages them in a discussion and shows you've done your research.' Effective phrasing might include: 'I know you talk a lot about X on your website; I'd love to hear more about how this manifests in the company.' Or: 'I know you're passionate about X, which is also a passion of mine; I'd love to hear more about it.' Roberts strongly advises avoiding personal comments about appearance when trying to connect professionally.
Additional Email Opener Strategies
For people you don't know: 'I saw this article/video and thought it might interest you.' This requires quick LinkedIn research but demonstrates preparation and offers value in the interaction.
For people you do know: 'Thanks for all your help with X! I'd really value your input on a problem I'm facing, as I think you'll have a valuable perspective, and I'd love to see if there's anything I can help you with in return.' The more specific you can be, the better.
For reconnecting: 'We last met when we were working together on/spoke about X, and I'd love to reconnect and hear how that's been going for you.' This creates a sense of shared success.
Universal approach: 'I hope you had a great weekend; wasn't the weather amazing? I got out in the garden and did some planting, which is a new hobby for me.' Sharing something personal creates more meaningful connections, especially with common interests.
The Importance of Conciseness After the Opener
Once you've engaged your recipient with a personal opener, Roberts emphasizes the critical importance of avoiding waffle. 'Be concise—what do you actually need me to do?' she insists. 'Tell me what you want from me and don't over-pad it, which is what can happen when people try to be too polite. While that's lovely, I'm busy, so be friendly but to the point.' This approach saves time for both sender and recipient while maintaining professional courtesy.
By moving beyond tired greetings like 'hope you're well,' professionals can create more engaging, respectful, and effective workplace communications that stand out in crowded inboxes and foster better professional relationships.
