Why 'Per My Last Email' Hurts More Than You Think

Carmen López · 2026-05-21

We've all been there. You open an email, and the first line hits you like a slap: 'Per my last email...' It's a phrase that's become shorthand for workplace frustration. But it's not just annoying. According to recent research, this kind of email incivility can actually affect your mental health, productivity, and even your relationships at work. I'm Carmen López, Content Strategy Director, and I've seen how a few careless words can spiral into real problems. So let's break down what's really going on when we send—or receive—those passive-aggressive emails. ### The Hidden Cost of a Snarky Tone You might think a quick jab in an email is harmless. But studies show that incivility—even in digital form—triggers the same stress response as face-to-face conflict. Your heart rate goes up. Your focus drops. And you might start dreading your inbox. Here's what happens when email incivility becomes a habit: - **Increased stress and anxiety** – That 'per my last email' tone can make you feel undervalued or attacked. - **Reduced collaboration** – People start avoiding the sender, which hurts teamwork. - **Lower productivity** – You waste mental energy decoding tone instead of doing your work. - **Higher turnover** – Toxic email culture pushes good people out the door. It's not just about being polite. It's about keeping your team healthy and your work flowing.  ### Why We Do It (And How to Stop) Most of us don't mean to be rude. We're just busy, stressed, or frustrated. When you're juggling deadlines, it's easy to fire off a quick reply without thinking about how it lands. But here's the thing: email lacks tone, body language, and context. What feels like a gentle reminder to you can read as a sharp rebuke to someone else. I've done it myself. I once sent a 'per my last email' note that I thought was neutral. The recipient felt attacked. It took a 20-minute phone call to fix the damage. > "Email is a terrible tool for nuance. If you wouldn't say it in person, don't write it." ### How to Fix Your Email Culture You don't need to be perfect. But a few small changes can make a big difference. - **Read before you send** – Take 10 seconds to re-read your email. Would you say that to someone's face? - **Use a warm opener** – Start with 'Hope you're doing well' or 'Thanks for your patience.' It sets a better tone. - **Pick up the phone** – If you're frustrated, call instead. A real conversation clears things up faster. - **Assume good intent** – Most people aren't trying to be difficult. Give them the benefit of the doubt. - **Avoid 'per my last email'** – Try 'Just circling back on this' or 'Wanted to make sure you saw my note.' It's less confrontational. ### The Bigger Picture Email incivility isn't just a personal annoyance. It's a workplace issue that costs companies real money. When employees are stressed, they take more sick days. They're less creative. And they're more likely to quit. In the U.S., workplace incivility costs businesses an estimated $14,000 per employee per year in lost productivity and turnover. That's a lot of money for something as simple as a snarky email. So next time you're about to hit send, take a breath. Your inbox—and your coworkers—will thank you.