Work Keys Preparation Lesson One

An email is an electronic message sent over the Internet. In the workplace, emails are used for many purposes, including:

• Making an announcement

• Asking a question

• Informing staff of a policy

• Congratulating colleagues

• Describing a problem

The writing in emails can be formal or casual.

In most email programs, emails look similar to this:

​Memos

A memo is a document sent within a workplace. Memos can be printed or sent via email. Like emails, memos can be used for many purposes. However, unlike emails, memos are much more formal documents.

Here is an example of a printed memo:

The structure of a memo is similar to an email. A memo includes these pieces of information:

• Date: When the memo was sent

• To: The primary person or group who received the memo

• From: The person who sent the memo

• Re: What the memo is about

• CC: Anyone else who received a copy of the memo

Policies

A policy is a piece of writing that explains rules or guidelines for a given situation. In any workplace that has more than a few employees, you likely will receive a handbook with the company’s most important policies. You may also find policies in memos, over email, or in announcements posted in the workplace.

Here are a few examples of policies:

• A document that tells you the rules for visitors at your workplace

• A list of rules about what you can and cannot wear to work

• A posted announcement with guidelines for requesting time off

• A detailed description of your company’s insurance plan and what it costs

Unlike an email or memo, there is no set format for policies. However, most policies do have headings that tell you what each section of the policy is about.

Here is an example of a policy: