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Should you ever come across an email titled ‘NSFW’ during your work day, it may be in your best interest not to open it, because ‘NSFW’ is an acronym for ‘Not Safe For Work’.
Part of online conversation culture, the informal abbreviation ‘not safe for work’ – or ‘not suitable for work’ – is often used in email subject lines, social media posts, online videos and other internet media as a warning not to open a crude meme, explicit image or raunchy video from a work email address or on company time.
“It is meant to warn a potential viewer that the content is not suitable for viewing in a work environment or near children, usually because of sexual or other explicit content,” informs Techopedia.
Given most people have sent personal emails from company addresses or browsed non-work-related websites during office hours, there’s a risk you could open inappropriate videos, images or websites containing racist humour, lewd jokes or sexually explicit material which could lead to instant dismissal.
Even overly personal information could be deemed NSFW by some managers.
“The phrase NSFW was coined to warn people that the content they are about to view could get them into trouble if they are caught by a manager or supervisor,” says Techopedia.
As many organisations specifically prohibit the dissemination and consumption of sexually explicit or disturbing content, Techopedia warns such material is regarded as a misuse of company resources.
“In some highly litigious countries such as the US, there could here could be real fear from top management of the company being sued on sexual harassment grounds by employees who have received such material,” says the site.
Experts advise that what qualifies as NSFW can be subjective however they suggest paying close attention to a company’s policies around the Internet and email use and think twice before you open the crude meme in a professional setting.
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