As a Reminder at Work: Helpful or Passive-Aggressive?
Actualizado: 23 ago
You open an email and see: “As a reminder…” Sometimes, that is exactly what it is. A reminder. But in workplace English, those three words can arrive carrying a little history. Maybe the subject was already discussed. Maybe the deadline has passed. Maybe somebody is becoming impatient. Literally, as a reminder at work means, “I’m helping you remember something important.”
In context, however, it can also sound more like:
“We have already talked about this.”
Or:
“You still haven’t done it.”
And occasionally:
“I really shouldn’t need to remind you again.”
As a Reminder at Work Depends on Context
There is nothing inherently rude about the phrase.
Reminders are useful. People are busy. Deadlines get missed, messages disappear into crowded inboxes, and sometimes someone genuinely needs a prompt.
The tension comes from what happened before the reminder.
If you sense frustration underneath the words, you do not have to respond to the frustration.
Focus on what needs to happen next.
A simple “Thanks for the reminder. I’ll take care of it today” acknowledges the message, gives a clear next step and keeps the conversation moving.
No defensive explanation.
No “Yes, I know.”
And probably no “As I already told you…” unless you would like to turn a reminder into an argument.
The professional skill is recognizing what the language may be signalling and then choosing a response that serves the conversation rather than the tension underneath it.
That is something I help clients practise through my Expertise-to-Influence Framework: moving beyond simply understanding English to using it confidently and effectively when tone, relationships and context all matter.
And if English is creating problems for you right now — in emails, meetings, leadership conversations or important decisions — reading another article probably is not the most urgent next step.
A Free Strategy Call is.
We can look at where English is getting in the way, what you need to be able to do differently, and whether coaching makes sense for you.
Professional English isn’t built in a day — it’s refined through consistent practice and the right support.
If you value clarity, guidance, and practical strategies you can use at work, follow along and explore what I share here:
Make your English work for you!
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