Please note that 11/19 is the cut-off for new requests-previously approved requests for that period will not be affected. We appreciate everyone’s hard work and commitment. If an important change is being made or other significant action will be taken, team members need to understand the reason behind those changes and what effects they will have on their jobs and the organization.Įxample: As you know, the holiday season is our busiest time of the year, so we’ll need all hands on deck to provide the best customer service. The second paragraph should provide context or supporting evidence for the main announcement conveyed in the first paragraph. You might use phrases such as “I’m writing to inform you…” or “I’m writing to request…” to highlight the intent of the memo.Įxample: I’m writing to inform you that due to our peak reservation period coming up, no time-off requests will be accepted after. There’s no need for crafty introductions-get straight to the main point of your message. The first paragraph of a memo should quickly and clearly convey its purpose. The following sections are usually included: Then, much like an email, recipients and the subject of the memo are identified. Standard memos have the word “MEMORANDUM” centered across the top of the document. The following sections are typically found in business memos: Main Header Using concise but specific headings throughout a memo help make the most important points stand out, and readers can quickly find the information they need. Rather than using indentations, a line is skipped between sentences for easy reading. Unlike a formal letter or work email, the memo boasts its own specific format.Īccording to Purdue Owl, a memo is typically one or two pages long, single spaced, and left-justified. Modern memos, on the other hand, can either be emailed, or physically distributed to employees or posted in public spaces if managers are looking to cut back on email overload. Today, emails are primarily used to convey important information to the masses-however, they’re also used to convey a lot of other, less important information as well, resulting in overstuffed inboxes and lost messages.

Memos were most popular in the days before email, when important messages would be printed, distributed throughout the office, signed or initialed by employees.

Typically, they’re used to convey important changes that affect a large portion of the company, or to announce upcoming events to staff members. What Is a Memo?Ī memo, or “memorandum,” is used by organizations for internal communications regarding business and procedures. Knowing basic memo etiquette, including how it’s formatted and when it should be used instead of email, will help you become a more efficient communicator within your organization. Although many businesses rely on email and instant messaging to communicate these days, the original pillar of internal business communication was the memo-and despite the rapid spread of technology in offices, it’s still relevant and useful today.

Business memo format