Yes, many companies still send memos, though most now go out by email rather than on paper. A memo is still the clearest way to tell a whole team, in writing, about a policy change, an announcement, a request, or a reminder.
Work moves fast. There are so many digital platforms, devices, and channels that it can be exhausting to keep track of what is going on, and hard to find one way of communicating that works for everyone. So whatever happened to memos?
The word comes from the Latin memorandum, "something to be remembered", and memos still do that job. A memo is a short written message inside an organization that tells people what they need to know or do, so that tasks and deadlines don't slip through the cracks.
Memos have always been popular, and with good reason. They are easy to write and need no special software. You can print one and pin it up, or simply email it to remind staff or clients about a deadline or the tasks for the day. Memos are efficient and cheap, they are easy to keep track of, and you can send one to many people at once.
So in a world where decisions are made every minute and every second counts, do you still need memos? For many companies and businesses, the answer is yes: they rely on memos every day. Here are 4 reasons why memos are still sent.
1. Company policy changes
When a company changes a policy, the change affects the whole organization. A memo is a fast and professional way to share that news. It is formal and to the point, and it reaches every employee at the same time.
2. Announcements
A memo is one of the best ways to announce something important to employees. Memos also help you build a good relationship with your staff: you can send one to welcome new employees to the organization, or to announce holiday breaks and promotions. Memos deliver news of every kind efficiently, and because they stay professional, they get attention.
3. Action requests
When management needs something from its employees, a memo is a good way to ask for it. It grabs attention and makes sure that employees give the request the importance it needs.
4. Reminders
One of the best uses of a memo is as a reminder, which is why individuals and businesses alike use memos so often. A memo can remind people of a task, a meeting, or a deadline, and because it is in writing, everyone can look back at it later. Many people also write short memos to themselves, so that they stay on top of things no matter how busy they get.
How to write an effective business memo shows how to set one up, from the header to the action line. A memo goes to many people at once, and so does every typo in it, so check yours with the Spell Checker before you send it.