Nearly a third of workers (30%) now favour communicating face-to-face (facemail) rather than through email, according to new research.

The research, from secretarial recruiter Office Angels, shows that 49% of workers say email is their prime form of communication, but 26% think it is used unnecessarily and 7% say email has had a negative impact on their communication skills.

Over a quarter (26%) admit to spending unnecessary time reading emails, while 15% say that email distracts them from work, while working relationships have suffered for 8% of respondents.

David Clubb, managing director of Office Angels, says: “Office Angels’ first ‘Facemail’ day is great excuse for employees to set up meetings with some of those clients they may not have caught up with for a while or for them to demonstrate their excellent customer service skills. Email undoubtedly has benefits, but can often be over relied upon. Office Angels is going back to basics and communicating the old fashioned way and we’d encourage your office to do the same.”