You and I have been signing off on emails in the same-old traditional ways we used when snail mailing letters or writing memos on a typewriter for over 30 years now. For younger folks, a typewriter was a machine we old fogies used and put your paper in manually to type a letter without a computer or smart device.
I still sign mine in a few traditional ways. They include, “Thanks much, Sincerely, Best regards, Best, or Warmest regards”. It’s taken me decades to see it as an overlooked piece of business real estate. We spend a lot of time and paragraphs trying to sound smart, professional, helpful, or at least competent. But then we slap on something as mundane and meaningless as, “Regards” like we’re all starring in a 1997 office drama.
As the world has changed, it dawned on me that this line of a correspondence hasn’t progressed at all. We all watched working remotely blur the lines between professional and personal with digital communication. Now more conversational than ever, and best of all, people seem to appreciate a little spark of personality. Lord knows many people could use as much help as possible.
Let me be the first to welcome you to this millennium’s era of the “creative email sign-off.”
What’s unique about these signoffs are that they attempt to be somewhat humorous or light-hearted and for the record, these won’t work for every situation. Nor do I take responsibility for the other party’s response. It’s best to try them on friends first!
For example, you probably don’t want to close an HR complaint (or any email to HR) with “Stay spicy.” But for everyday messages, team chats, or any interaction where you already have established some sort of relationship, a playful sign-off can turn a forgettable email into more of a connection. So, without delay, here are some new, entertaining options that people are increasingly using and why they may work well.
The Top 9
Sending productivity vibes – This could be perfect when you’re emailing colleagues or trying to motivate your team. While tongue-in-cheek, it’s still positive. Plus, as a manager I would hope everyone needs some extra productivity vibes.
May your inbox be light – A reference to “The Hunger Games,” this is an amusing blessing of sorts for anyone who understands the pain we all have on Monday mornings. It’s relatable, universal, and just dumb enough to earn a smile.
Off to refill my coffee… wish me luck – This one highlights your personality without going off the deep end. It’s perfect for someone like me who understands the daily caffeine struggle. (5 cups a day here!)
“Proceeding with questionable confidence.” Great for friendly teams and those with whom you have a great relationship. It helps lighten the mood when you’re working through horrible tasks together. I probably wouldn’t send this to your boss.
Trying my best, as always – Dry humor at its finest. This may work well with colleagues who enjoy a little self-deprecation. I recommend using this one sparingly. The reply I would send back would be very Yoda-ish… “Do or do not, there is no try.”
P.S. If there’s a typo, let’s pretend it’s a feature – For those times when you’re barreling through way too much stuff on your list and typing way too fast for your own good. This gives you room to be human without sacrificing professionalism. I do remember these on smartphone emails a lot.
May your Wi-Fi never buffer – Here’s a modern-day offering for a modern-day problem, although as the world shifts to fiberoptics, we have fewer issues with this. It’s still good for teams who work remotely and have crumby internet service providers.
Signing off before I say something I’ll have to explain later – I love this. It highlights personality and is one of the most playful but isn’t too risky. That said, I would avoid using it with someone you don’t get along with as it can be taken the wrong way, so use sparingly!
Bravely clicking ‘Send’ – A perfect closer for complicated emails, or anything you’ve spent a lot of time writing. We have all hit “send” too soon on an email and know the sinking feeling after reading it again and finding errors, but it’s already gone! Thanks goodness iPhone has a delay feature that prevents sending immediately after hitting send. Mine is set to 3-weeks!
Catch you on the other side of this inbox – A fun, cute sign-off that notes what we all experience with communication in today’s world. It feels like a little wink without the emoji, don’t you think?
What I like about creative email signoffs is that they inject some humanity into a form of communicating that often feels cold and automated. It takes the AI of the equation and inserts more of YOU. I remember messages that make me laugh, or at least smile. I believe that a humorous, fun signoff ends your email by adding personality to your professional identity.
As we get set to launch 2026, let’s make a resolution to ditch “Sincerely,” or “Best,” and step up our digital signature game. Maybe we should try this first in text messages. Do pick your moments wisely. Maybe save “Stay perfect” for the coworkers who truly get you.
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Bob Lawrence writes weekly columns on radio leadership and business. He most recently served as market manager for MacDonald Broadcasting in Saginaw, Michigan. Throughout his career, Bob has held virtually every position in the business over his 40+ year career, from being on-air in Philadelphia, San Diego, and San Francisco to programming legendary stations including KHTR St. Louis, KITS Hot Hits and KIOI (K101) San Francisco to serving as the head of all programming for Saga Communications and working for the Radio Advertising Bureau. Before landing his current role, Bob helped lead Seven Mountains Media’s cluster in Parkersburg, WV/Marietta, OH. He can be reached by email at BGLawrence@me.com.
Bob also honed his research skills over ten years as Senior VP of Operations at Broadcast Architecture, eventually launching his own research company and serving as President/CEO of Pinnacle Media Worldwide for 15 years. Bob spent five years as VP of Programming for Saga Communications before joining New South Radio in Jackson, Mississippi as GM/Market Manager. Prior to joining Seven Mountains Media, Bob served as General Manager for the Radio Advertising Bureau, overseeing its “National Radio Talent System”.
