Danger lurks in those messages

Sending emails around the office is second nature to most, but employment lawyers warn companies could end up in dangerous territory without an email etiquette policy.

Auckland employment lawyer Eska Hartdegen said employers should have policies for email use.

"Emails can be really problematic and I advise my clients to use email as little as possible when communicating," she said. "Using red and bold fonts can sharpen the tone of an email, but I don't believe it's ground for termination.

"Emails have become the way people deal with each other these days. [So] companies have to make some form of training for employers and staff."

Employment lawyer Penny Shaw said, "People should always stop and think, 'if I said this to them in person how would they respond?' as a professional courtesy."