is saying "hello guys" inappropriate?

Question

is saying "hello guys" in an email inappropriate? I work for an IT consulting firm and I work at a client site for a long term project. I addressed an email to people in my team which is made up of other consultants from my company and employees of our client. I addressed it with "hello guys". Is this inappropriate? I thought this is quite normal. But another consultant from my company sent me an email asking not to do it again as he thinks it is inappropriate. I am not sure if I can survive being criticized for such simple, subjective things.

Answer 1

It is too informal for what ought to have been an email with a more professional tone.

I would be careful of saying things like "I am not sure if I can survive being criticized for such simple subjective things". I do understand your frustration, especially in light of the fact that you seem convinced of your own rightness about this issue. However, people in professional circles are generally expected to be able to handle advice from their professional peers and superiors. I really don't think the person who pointed this out to you was seeking to belittle or, as you suggest, "control" you!! I think they were making a valid observation about the language you used in what ought to have been a professional email.

The fact that you have a former boss who used "dude" doesn't make it a right or professional way to address one's colleagues and clients! Beware using that as 'evidence' for your 'case'!

The first respondent gave you some better alternative salutations to use in this context.

Answer 2

"Not sure you can survive being criticized for such simple subjective things"?



Firstly, get the chip off your shoulder. If the matter were as you write, "simple and subjective" you would not have been given advise from a company consultant. Take the advice to heart and don't make the situation about you -- it's not.



Corporate emails are widely circulated, forwarded and become a permanent record. You want to tailor your email style to suit the corporate culture; not your own feelings of right or wrong.



Suggestions for greetings include (but not limited to): Good morning, everyone. Good morning. Dear Team.

Answer 3

You can survive, not sure why you are exaggerating.



'Hello guys' is an amusing greeting. I would not use that. The first answerer gave you some good ideas.

Answer 4

Maybe something more gender neutral like,



Hi all,

Hello all,

Hi,

Hello everyone,

Hey all,

Hey everyone,

etc.

etc.

etc.