< PreviousPassive-aggressive AI AI is making its way into every workplace, employed for a vast range of tasks, even down to the minutiae of writing emails. Indeed, a YouGov survey from 2024 found that 15% of internet users have AI write their emails. With this number only set to grow, it poses the question: what email phrases does AI find passive- aggressive, and what does AI think they mean? Well, researchers have now quizzed AI to rank common workplace phrases based on their passive-aggressiveness. Stealing the top spot is a classic: ‘per my last email’. AI determined that what comes across as a simple reference back actually means ‘you clearly didn’t read what I sent you’. It was also determined that the term implies blame under the surface, while also hiding irritation. Taking second place is ‘just circling back’. AI determined that this phrase conveys frustration and means ‘you’re ignoring me’. It also states that the phrase conveys subtle pressure and irritation. Coming in third, meanwhile, is ‘as previously mentioned’. The AI study, from LegalBison, found the phrase means ‘I already explained this and I’m getting annoyed’. AI states that the phrase is polite but correcting with a frustrating tone, and subtly asserting control. With these results, the question is now: do you agree with AI? Has it correctly identified the most passive-aggressive email phrase? 50 Business Link www.blmforum.net And finally The world of Frazer Wild days in HR No two days are ever the same in HR, which means these staff members never know what they’re going to hear next. From complaints of a colleague changing into their sportswear on the office floor to prepare for their cycle home from work — with said colleague stating there is no policy in place to stop them doing this — to an employee saying that they can’t come to work as they are washing their sheets, HR advisory Peninsula Group recently got in touch to share the weird and wonderful calls they have been receiving. With antics of employees on a worksite deliberately using a forklift to knock over a portaloo containing a colleague, a chef unhappy when their request for remote working was declined, and a dangerous incident of taxi-sharing colleagues leading to an employee threatening another after not being repaid for covering the cost, Frazer’s workplace seems very tame! © stock.adobe.com/Antonioguillem Darth Vader detriment In a bizarre case that reminds you to be careful of what you say and do at work, a woman has been awarded almost £30,000 in compensation for being compared to Darth Vader. After the woman’s co-worker took a Star Wars-themed personality type test on her behalf — sharing with everyone that she fell into the Darth Vader category — an employment tribunal has found that the villainous label could reasonably be considered a detriment and that the incident caused harm; after all, who wants to be thought of as an evil Sith Lord? The comparison led to the woman feeling singled out and unpopular, caused stress and anxiety, and her eventual resignation. What began as a team-building exercise has now become a cautionary tale from a galaxy not so far, far away — right here in the UK. © stock.adobe.com/Willrow Hood © stock.adobe.com/Prostock-studioKIRKBY LINDSEY ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING LTD HULL T: 01482 223937 • E: info@kirkby-lindsey.co.uk ECLIPSE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING LTD YORK T: 01904 692783 • E: admin@eclipse-electrical.co.uk Experts in the repair, rewind and supply of electric motors, geared motors, pumps & fans. 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