WhatsApp or What’s Up?

WhatsApp or What’s Up? This has now become a common question that we, as professionals, have found hard to answer. Where is the line drawn? How do you keep it professional and yet still keep the conversation light?

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, WhatsApp became essential for the workplace as it provided a way for colleagues and clients to communicate while working remotely – to network and to share ideas. Additionally, it's an immediate, free and convenient communication platform.
There are no specific laws governing the use of WhatsApp groups in the workplace but here are some tips to ensure your business WhatsApp chats remain professional and keep those work/life boundaries firmly in check.

1. When starting a group or adding an employee, client or client representative, always make introductions if the members do not all know each other, just like you would in person. 
   
2. Ideally, a group should contain no more than eight people. A manageable group size will ensure that everyone is heard.
   
3. Treat the group as a staff meeting. Address each other with respect, use emojis sparingly or not at all, avoid using colloquialisms or abbreviations and make sure to participate in discussions.
   
4. Only send and receive business-related WhatsApp messages during work hours. Occasionally you might need to send a message after hours but any time after 8 pm could be considered inappropriate or invasive.
   
5. Keep your personal views to yourself and always keep it professional.
   

While these tips are helpful, some companies may prefer a more formal approach. They would add guidelines within their work policy for what is acceptable and what is not when communicating with colleagues or clients via WhatsApp.
​Written by Amelia Ramjarrie