Email sign-offs are the workplace’s version of mood rings — only with more passive aggression and fewer colors. Whether you’re radiating warmth or silently declaring war, your sign-off says something.
So, in the name of transparency (and a little workplace mischief), here’s the official ranking of email sign-offs — from “we’re getting brunch this weekend” to “I’ve filed an HR complaint in my heart.”
Tier 1: Besties & Work BFFs
1. “xo”
You’ve moved past small talk. This email probably includes memes, personal news, and a vague threat about quitting.
→ Emotional intimacy: 10/10. HR concern: 6/10.
2. “Cheers!”
You’ve either spent a summer abroad or you want people to think you have. Either way, you're the cool one.
→ Friends in the break room and probably on LinkedIn.
3. “Warmly”
This is a cozy hug in a signature. You’re thoughtful. You might bake. People trust you with secrets and coffee orders.
→ May also own a calming diffuser.
Tier 2: Neutral, Professional Vibes
4. “Best”
Corporate vanilla. Safe. Standard. Acceptable.
→ You're not here to make friends, but also not here to fight.
5. “Thanks”
Efficient. Polite. Slightly hopeful you get a reply before the end of the fiscal year.
→ Most frequently used when emailing someone with power over your deadlines.
6. “Regards”
You mean business. You also have an Excel sheet open right now.
→ May escalate to "Kind regards" if things get testy.
Tier 3: Red Flags & Workplace Drama
7. “Thanks in advance”
Translation: “I am assuming you will do this whether you like it or not.”
→ Also known as the polite threat.
8. “As per my last email”
You’ve entered your villain arc. There’s steam coming out of your ears and you’re typing with one finger.
→ Usually followed by a screenshot, attachment, or your resignation letter in drafts.
9. “No sign-off, just name”
Chilly. Corporate. Dead inside. This is the email equivalent of not saying goodbye on a phone call.
→ Emotionally distant but legally sound.
Tier 4: Mortal Enemy Status
10. “Sent from my iPhone”
A digital shrug. The vibes? Frazzled. Unbothered. Possibly in an Uber.
→ Bonus shade if every word is misspelled.
11. “Best regards” (when angry)
The ultimate power move. Formal, cold, and devastating. You just iced someone out with two words and a period.
→ May be followed by a meeting invite titled “Quick Chat.”
12. No name, no sign-off, just… nothing
Not even punctuation. You’ve become one with the chaos.
→ Are you mad? Are you busy? Have you been abducted? Who knows.
Final Thoughts
Email sign-offs are like office small talk: awkward, unnecessary, and somehow deeply telling. Whether you’re radiating “sunshine and spreadsheets” or “I will haunt your inbox,” your closing line does all the emotional labor.
So, the next time you’re about to type “Best,” ask yourself:
Do I mean it… or am I just afraid of confrontation?
Stay warm,
RedFlag Networks
Want to rant about how you wish you could sign-off to your boss? Check out our forum! We’re all ears!
