As more states enforce stay-at-home orders, more people are working from home. And that means more written communications among coworkers, colleagues, and clients. Whether you’re new to the work-from-game or a seasoned pro, as a modern employee, you’ve likely faced this vexing problem: how do you sign-off on a business email during the coronavirus pandemic?

While there’s plenty of advice on choosing a professional sign off, things are, well, “different” right now. “Cheers” doesn’t seem appropriate for these strange times. So, we’ve created a list of some ideas for signing off your work emails while you’re working from home during the pandemic.

Not every sign off on this list will work specifically for you. But, if nothing else, you can use these as a jumping-off point for creating your own social distancing email sign-offs.

Here Are 13 of the Best Email Sign-Offs to Use While Social Distancing

1. Keep up the great work!

With all the uncertainty these days, it can be hard to stay focused on work. Let people know you appreciate the hard work they’re putting in by acknowledging everything they are accomplishing under less than ideal circumstances.

2. In no haste

There’s a chance people are feeling stressed out right now. Let them know that your email is not an urgent priority. With this sign off you’re giving the recipient permission to take their time before answering your message.

3. Stay healthy, stay safe

Easily the most neutral sign off, this is good advice for everyone right now.

4. Sent from my living room (or dining room, the couch, etc.)

If you can’t brag about sending your message from the beach or other exotic destination, this light-hearted sign-off let’s people know that you’re at home and staying safe.

5. Stay tuned

Though it may not be fun to admit, no one really knows what will happen next. So, why not recognize the uncertainty and embrace that everyone should stay tuned to stay informed.

6. Yours from afar

It’s a bit formal, but sometimes a business email needs a formal response (and this is a bit more applicable than “yours truly”).

7. Socially distant

Because that’s what we’re all supposed to do right now.

8. Have a great socially distant (day, weekend, etc.)

Just because people are practicing social distancing right now doesn’t mean they can’t have a great day, week, or even month.

9. Cautious cheers

If “cheers” is your usual sign off, you may feel a bit odd using it. But cautious cheers may be just the right sentiment instead.

10. Take care – but no, really

We should all take care of ourselves and each other right now.

11. See you (hopefully) soon

Because we don’t know when we’ll see each other in person again, this sentiment sums it all up. It’s also a great way to open the door to a virtual meeting (and a reminder that being apart doesn’t mean we can’t “see” each other).

12. A gif or emoji

Sometimes, a picture is worth 1,000 words. To lighten things up, consider a gif or emoji that sums it all up.

13. Nothing

Sometimes, the best sign-off is no sign-off. If you can’t come up with the right sentiment, it might be better to simply end your message with nothing (or just your name).

Signing Off

Picking an email sign off has always been a challenge. And these days it isn’t any easier. While you may want to stick with “Sincerely,” “Truly Yours,” or even “Warm Regards,” perhaps adding one of the above sign-offs will brighten the recipient’s day.

What about you, readers? Any ideas to add to the list? Let us know in the comments!

And, if you’re looking for more useful information on remote work, consider signing up for our newsletter.

GET THE NEWSLETTER >>>

Photo Credit: bigstockphoto.com

Rachel Pelta is a Content Coordinator for FlexJobs. With professional experience in job placement and as a manager, she creates content to help people succeed in their job search, and to help managers get the best out of their staff.…Read More >