Email is one of the most significant communication tools utilized by companies. It’s an effective way to communicate with employees, partners, clients, and customers. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that all emails sent out are well-written, professional, and accurate. A poorly written email with errors can cause confusion, miscommunication, and even damage the company’s reputation. In this article, we look at the top 5 terrible corporate emails that affected big companies and their communication game.
1. United Airlines
United Airlines made headlines for all the wrong reasons in 2017 when they forcibly removed a passenger from one of their flights. However, it was their follow-up email that was even worse. The email sent out by the CEO, Oscar Munoz, lacked empathy and acknowledged that staff followed policies. The email was criticized for its corporate jargon and tone-deaf response to the violent incident. The email was widely shared, and even Jimmy Kimmel referenced it on his talk show.
2. JP Morgan Chase
In 2013, JP Morgan Chase sent an email to applicants with a “FUN FACT” section. The section included a statement that stated that the bank had hired more employees starting in January year than were released. However, this fun fact was incorrect because earlier in the week, 4,000 employees were laid off. The email’s mistake had a significant impact on the company’s reputation, and the bank’s recruiters came under severe criticism for their lack of attention to detail.
3. Target
In 2013, Target suffered a massive data breach that compromised millions of customer records. To rectify the situation, Target sent out an email to customers, offering apologies and free credit monitoring services. However, the email was poorly written and lacked clarity, leading to confusion among customers. Many recipients thought the email was a phishing scam and even ignored it. Target’s careless communication caused further damage to their already damaged reputation.
4. Nestle
In 2010, Nestle sent out an email that added to their poor reputation on social and environmental issues. The email response to a Greenpeace campaign asked the company to stop sourcing palm oil from rainforest destruction. Nestle’s response was dismissive and featured language that called the campaigners “extremists” and argued that they did not share the company’s values. Nestle’s email was widely criticized for its combative tone and lack of genuine engagement with customer concerns.
5. Blackberry
Blackberry was once a major player in the smartphone industry, but in 2011, it sent out a confusing email to developers that tarnished the company’s reputation. The email was titled “Important Update about BlackBerry World Vendor Portal,” but the email itself was neither an update nor important. The email was a poorly veiled promotional email that had nothing to do with the title’s content. Blackberry’s lack of transparency and clickbait tactics created backlash among their developer community.
Conclusion
In today’s digital age, corporate communication is vital to a company’s success. Bad communication can create confusion, mistrust, and even cause a company to lose customers. This article highlighted the top 5 examples of terrible corporate emails sent out by companies. These emails were poorly written, lacked empathy, and affected companies’ reputations. Companies need to invest in their communication practices, hire professional writers, and ensure that their communication is clear, accurate, and transparent.
FAQs
Companies can ensure their emails are well-written by hiring professional writers or utilizing the services of copywriting agencies. It’s also essential to have a clear brand voice and a solid understanding of their audience.
Bad communication can cause confusion and mistrust, affecting a company’s reputation and causing it to lose customers. It can also lead to errors and misunderstandings that can have serious consequences.
A single bad email may not ruin a company’s reputation, but a pattern of poor communication can create issues with customers and stakeholders, leading to a negative perception of the company.
A company should respond quickly, honestly, and transparently. They should take responsibility for the issue and offer solutions to rectify the situation.
Effective communication can improve relationships with customers, stakeholders, and employees. It creates trust, enhances company reputation, and can lead to increased sales and profits.
