Several years ago, studies looked at the psychological consequences of rude or even aggressive e-mails. However, the researchers believe that regardless of their form, this type of electronic message can generate additional stress, especially at work. Indeed, this can eventually lead to professional disengagement and can have an impact on family life.
Many of you may have already received emails that weren't very nicely shaped. Generously punctuated with exclamation points, capital letters or clearly imbued with irritation, these messages would have a negative psychological impact, especially in the professional environment. A Scientific American article published on July 21, 2020 first cited a report on the ERIC platform in 2002 that 88% of Americans surveyed during the study complained of encountering rude people on a daily basis. disrespectful. However, these meetings are also done online via e-mails at the workplace. A second study published in the journal Information &Management in 2009 indicated that 90% of respondents had previously received disrespectful emails at work.
Let it be said, the effectiveness of electronic communication does not mask its distant and detached character . Face to face, people are generally aware of mutual expectations of courtesy and respect. However, in front of a screen, decency sometimes tends to disappear.
Other research suggests that being a victim of this kind of exchange can have a lasting effect . A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology in 2013 evokes persistent stress that can affect the well-being of the recipient. The study had simulated an experiment involving participants receiving a rude or disrespectful email from their employer. Results ? Compared to the control group, these people felt more negative emotions and had difficulty staying engaged in their tasks at work.
This stress can even invade family life . In a study published in the Journal of Management in 2015, researchers interviewed workers twice a day over a five-day work week. If they received disrespectful emails, these people were more likely to show stress symptoms the same evening as well as the next morning. Another study published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior in 2018 even mentions a "contamination" of this stress in the romantic partner during the weekend!
At a time when telework is destined to develop further, politeness and courtesy in messages should be of crucial importance. However, managers could help avoid this stress, which is a source of chain reactions. It would be about setting communication rules that everyone should respect. Finally, it can be beneficial to perform a psychological detachment by "unplugging" after leaving work.
