DTI warns businesses against "David Brent" humour

clock

Businesses are being warned to be more careful with the content of work-related messaging as a survey conducted by the DTI reveals a quarter of London employees misinterpret the ‘humour' of emails.

A poll of full and part-time employees for the Department of Trade and Industry earlier this month reveals almost 25% of Londoners have “suffered crossed wires with colleagues or clients because their use of humour in an email has been misinterpreted”. Moreover, at least two out of ten people have made these faux pas because it was the worst possible time to make such comments. According to the findings, men are believed to be less adept at surviving in the ‘communications jungle’ than women, as almost one in three men (28%) have seen their jokes back-fire compared with 19% of women, ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Technology

Andrew Goodwin: AI - to boldly go where no adviser has gone before…

Andrew Goodwin: AI - to boldly go where no adviser has gone before…

'It's up to us to determine whether AI works for us or against us'

Andrew Goodwin
clock 17 March 2026 • 4 min read
Fintel in JV to launch 'AI-led' financial advisory platform

Fintel in JV to launch 'AI-led' financial advisory platform

Partners with Intellect Design Arena

Jen Frost
clock 17 March 2026 • 3 min read
AI won't take your job, but the adviser who masters it might

AI won't take your job, but the adviser who masters it might

'Advisers can't afford to be complacent when it comes to AI'

Samantha McBride
clock 10 March 2026 • 3 min read