The Not-So-Gentle Art of Corporate Communication
The phrase “gentle reminder” landed in my inbox again this morning, triggering a familiar eye roll and a deep sigh. It’s fascinating how these two seemingly innocent words have become corporate code for “mate, you’re seriously testing my patience here.”
Reading through various online discussions about this particular piece of corporate speak, it’s clear I’m not alone in my mild irritation with this passive-aggressive gem. The consensus seems to be that there’s nothing particularly gentle about these reminders - they’re more like a velvet-wrapped sledgehammer.
Working in tech for over two decades, I’ve been on both sides of this dance. The evolution of workplace communication, especially since the shift to remote work, has created this peculiar vocabulary where we’re all trying to be professional while secretly wanting to scream “JUST DO THE THING I ASKED YOU TO DO THREE WEEKS AGO!”
The reality is, these “gentle” reminders usually come after several ignored requests or missed deadlines. They’re the email equivalent of your mum saying “I’m not angry, I’m just disappointed.” And let’s be honest - that’s usually worse.
Back in my team lead days at a previous company, I found myself crafting these messages too. There was always that one team member who needed five reminders about updating their JIRA tickets. I’d start with a casual Slack message, progress to an email, and finally resort to the dreaded “gentle reminder.” It was my way of saying “I really don’t want to escalate this, but mate, you’re pushing it.”
The thing is, workplace communication shouldn’t need to be this complicated. If someone’s consistently missing deadlines or forgetting tasks, a direct conversation is usually more effective than passive-aggressive email chains. Maybe they’re struggling with the workload, or perhaps they need additional training. Sometimes it’s as simple as helping them set up a better task management system.
For those on the receiving end of these gentle nudges, take it as a warning sign. Your manager is trying to be professional, but they’re probably frustrated. Instead of analysing their email etiquette, focus on why these reminders are necessary in the first place. Are you struggling with time management? Do you need help prioritising tasks? These are the questions worth asking.
The modern workplace, with its mix of remote and office work, requires clear communication more than ever. While we’re all trying to maintain politeness and professionalism, sometimes we need to cut through the corporate speak and have honest conversations about expectations and challenges.
Next time you receive a “gentle reminder,” consider it a nudge to either get your act together or speak up about any obstacles you’re facing. And if you’re sending them, maybe it’s time for a frank discussion about why they’re needed in the first place. After all, the most productive workplaces are built on clear communication, not passive-aggressive pleasantries.