Per My Last Email, The Subtle Art of Office Diplomacy
Joel Powell
Creative Writer and Software Developer | Creative Entrepreneur | Current Focus: developing a horror themed game in unity and writing a LGBTQ suspense dark teen drama.
Ah, “per my last email,” the Swiss Army knife of corporate communication. It can mean anything from “I’m politely reminding you” to “Why aren’t you listening?” to “I’m one more ignored email away from launching into full passive-aggressive mode.” Used skillfully, it’s an elegant nudge. But mishandled, it’s an HR incident waiting to happen.
Why Do We Love This Phrase So Much?
It’s Ambiguous: Like a magic trick, it’s all about the interpretation. To one recipient, it’s a friendly reminder. To another, it’s a digital side-eye.
It’s Universal: Whether you’re dealing with a forgetful colleague or a boss who’s allergic to attachments, this phrase adapts.
It’s Safe: Unlike outright confrontation, it keeps the peace while still addressing the issue.
But tread carefully. Overusing this phrase—or using it in the wrong tone—can escalate things faster than a Slack notification at 6 PM.
How to Use It Effectively
1. Keep It Friendly
Context matters. If this is your first follow-up, lead with a touch of warmth:
“Just wanted to check in regarding my earlier email…”
“I wanted to circle back on this to make sure we’re aligned.”
If you must invoke the classic “per my last email,” soften the delivery:
“Per my last email, I wanted to reiterate…” This makes it clear you’re following up, not holding a grudge.
2. Pair It With Actionable Context
Be specific about what you need. Instead of:
“Per my last email, please advise.” Try:
“Per my last email, I wanted to confirm if you’ve had a chance to review the attached document. Let me know if there’s anything I can clarify.”
3. Avoid Layering the Guilt
There’s no need to overdo it with phrases like “as I mentioned before” or “as previously stated.” These can sound accusatory and create unnecessary friction.
When Things Go South
Sometimes, no matter how carefully you phrase it, the recipient takes offense. Here’s how to de-escalate:
Acknowledge Their Perspective: “I realize my email may have come across more formal than intended. My goal was to ensure we’re on the same page.”
Clarify the Intent: “I appreciate your input and want to make sure this aligns with your priorities.”
Inject Humor (When Appropriate): If you’re comfortable with the person, you might say something like, “I promise I’m not trying to sound like a disappointed parent!”
Alternatives to "Per My Last Email"
If you’re looking to switch it up—or just avoid sounding like a broken record—try these:
“Just a quick follow-up on this…”
“Wanted to revisit this topic and check where things stand.”
“Could you confirm whether you’ve had a chance to review this?” These variations are less likely to stir up office drama, and they keep the tone neutral.
Pro Tip: Pairing your follow-up with a clear subject line like “Follow-Up: Budget Approval Needed” can prevent the dreaded “I didn’t see your email” excuse.
Mastering “per my last email” is like learning corporate kung fu—it’s all about balance. Too soft, and your message gets ignored. Too sharp, and you risk a communication clash. But used well, it’s the perfect blend of professionalism and persuasion.
What’s your favorite “per my last email” substitute? Share your go-to phrases, and together we’ll compile the ultimate office cheat sheet!
TAGS: #OfficeAdvice #CommunicationTips #LevelUp