🧼 TL;DR:
Match the tone to the topic
Explain the “why” early on
Format for clarity (especially on mobile)
Review before posting—especially for policy stuff
🧍♂️ When to Be Formal vs. Casual
Not every update needs corporate-speak—but some messages do need more care.
Use a friendly tone for: | Use a more formal tone for: |
Recognition & shoutouts | HR policies or compliance updates |
Store-level reminders | Company-wide announcements |
Culture or team-building posts | Anything with legal or payroll info |
The goal: sound human and clear—not robotic or overly casual.
🧠 Lead with the “Why”
Context helps people care. Start with why this update matters before diving into the details.
Example:
“We’ve updated the break policy so everyone gets a fair and consistent rest period during longer shifts.”
Then share the details.
📐 Format for Readability
Busy team members are often reading updates on mobile. Help the important parts stand out.
✅ Tips:
Break long text into short paragraphs
Use bold for dates, times, or steps
Emojis or icons (🛠️, 📢, ✅) to guide attention
Bullets for lists or instructions
Add spacing between sections
👀 Review Before You Post
Especially for policies, benefits, or schedule changes—give it a once-over.
Ask:
Is it clear who this is for?
Did I include the why and what’s changing?
Is there a contact for follow-up questions?
💡 Pro Tip:
Use the Tone Test: If you're saying it in person, would it sound natural?
Example: “Hi team! Quick update on this week’s hours 👇” works way better than “Please be advised of the following operational adjustments.”