Abbreviations in business communication

For example, what would you do if your manager asked you to finish a task ASAP, but the criteria for completing it are TBD, and they are OOO?

To help you avoid awkward situations, we gathered the most commonly used abbreviations in business communication:

• FYI = for your information

FYI, this is the update I've received from the customer.

FYI, tomorrow's meeting is scheduled for 10 A.M.

• ASAP = as soon as possible

Send me the checklist ASAP.

Could you let me know ASAP if there is something you wish to change?

• EOD / EOW = end of the day/week 

He promised to provide the details by EOD tomorrow.

There is an escalation on that. I need results by EOW.

• BTW = by the way 

BTW, have you scheduled a new meeting?

I hope you enjoyed the conference in Melbourne. BTW, any suggestions for a good hotel there?

• TBD = to be decided 

New flow for task reporting: TBD

The event will be on October 6, location TBD.

• IAM = In a meeting 

Sorry, IAM, I can't pick up the phone right now.

He is IAM; it's better to email him.

• OOO = Out of office 

I'm OOO and will do my best to respond promptly to your email when I return.

I've put my OOO on.

• WFH = Work from home 

Our team prefers WFH.

Very few people that I know stay productive WFH.

• NRN = No reply necessary 

Just letting you know the docs are in the car, NRN.

She'll represent our team during the call, NRN.

• BRB = Be right back 

Leave the report in the meeting room, BRB.

Could you please wait for a couple of minutes? BRB.

• MFU = Meeting follow-up 

I've emailed you with an MFU to keep the results of our meeting in mind.

To understand the agenda of today's call, please, read the MFU of the last meeting.

We hope now you will not be confused by another FYI in an email from your colleagues.

And we’ll BRB with new helpful articles and handy tips on how to improve your skills!