Since the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated remote work, email volumes have surged. While efficient, email's impersonal nature often breeds rudeness.
Two studies led by Zhenyu Yuan, assistant professor of management at the University of Illinois Chicago's College of Business Administration, reveal that rude workplace emails trigger prolonged stress, harming well-being and family life.
Findings link rude emails to reduced productivity, work performance issues, and even insomnia, which fuels negative emotions the next day.
"Given email's ubiquity in modern workplaces, this is a growing concern," says Yuan.
In the first study, Yuan and colleagues surveyed 233 U.S. employees on rude email encounters and performance impacts. The second, a diary study, tracked spillover effects on sleep quality and well-being.
Yuan identifies two rudeness types: active (derogatory comments signaling mistreatment) and passive (ignoring requests, leaving intent ambiguous).
"Emails' permanence encourages re-reading disturbing messages or anxiously awaiting replies, amplifying distress," Yuan explains.
To mitigate, employees should psychologically detach post-work—ideally by unplugging outside hours. Managers can help by setting clear email norms.
"Addressing rudeness isn't about constant checking or 'telepressure,'" Yuan clarifies. "Clear standards tackle both effectively."
