Should one use the informal "tu" or the formal "vous" with colleagues, clients, and partners? Behind this seemingly trivial question lie choices of positioning, corporate culture, and sometimes even strategy.
Have you ever found yourself, as a leader, surrounded by several people, some of whom you address informally and others formally… without quite knowing what stance to take in the moment?
This relational ambiguity is something we have all experienced. And yet, the way we address others says a lot about our corporate culture, our relationship with power, and our willingness (or not) to create authentic connections.
In English-speaking countries, the question seems settled in advance: "you" is used for both an intern and a CEO. This linguistic neutrality erases the formal/informal distinction... but not necessarily the hierarchy or closeness.
Communication is then coded differently: through tone, phrasing, levels of language or detail, and not by a pronoun. An apparent simplicity... but real subtleties!
At Ectos, we have chosen to use the informal "tu" form. Not as a trend or out of casualness, but because it reflects the closeness we cultivate with our clients and partners. But be careful: this choice is never imposed. It adapts, like any good service, to the context and preferences of each individual.
Two cultures, two logics... and a Switzerland in between
- The use of "vous": traditional, respectful, reassuring. It creates a form of professional distance, sometimes necessary, especially in formal environments (legal, finance, institutions…).
- The use of "tu": direct, warm, fluid. It promotes collaboration, responsiveness, and team alignment. It is often adopted in startups, creative environments, or close relationships.
And in Switzerland? Practices vary greatly depending on the sectors, the languages... and even the cantons!
- French remains attached to formal address, especially in institutional or intergenerational contexts.
- Swiss German or the use of professional English often promote a more direct form of addressing with "tu".
- In Swiss Romande SMEs, a quick use of the informal "tu" is common, especially when teams are small, agile, or when colleagues have been working together for a long time.
This mix of codes makes Switzerland a delicate balancing ground, where everyone must adapt to their environment without losing sight of relational clarity.
The traps to avoid
- Forced familiarity: "We’re on a first-name basis, right?" thrown out too quickly can make one uncomfortable.
- The rigid use of "vous": which establishes an unnecessary distance, even distrust.
- The lack of consistency: using the informal "tu" with one colleague and the formal "vous" with another without clear logic can blur the company culture.
When management suggests switching to "tu"
It happens that a leader or a manager suggests to their teams to switch from "vous" to "tu", in an effort to simplify relationships or to foster a more collaborative culture. This choice can be well received if it is authentic and embraced, but it must be handled with tact.
Some points of attention:
- If the hierarchy remains rigid despite the use of the informal "tu," it can sound false.
- If some collaborators are not comfortable, it can create implicit pressure.
- Without coherence in actions, this can remain a symbolic gesture without real impact.
The use of "tu" does not create trust on its own, but it can accompany it, encourage it, and reflect it.
The specific case of apprentices: beware of ambiguity
Apprentices occupy a unique position in the company: neither fully students nor yet seasoned professionals. The shift from "vous" to "tu" with them raises delicate questions, as the way one addresses an apprentice influences their perception of codes, hierarchies, and expectations.
The use of "tu" can be perceived as:
- A mark of trust and integration,
- A motivation lever: "I am considered a full-fledged member of the team."
- A sign of encouraging proximity, especially in young or dynamic environments.
But it can also:
- Create confusion: if an apprentice is addressed informally by a manager but sees other colleagues being addressed formally, they may misinterpret their status,
- Blurring professional boundaries: sometimes difficult to distinguish between the workshop buddy and the lead trainer,
- Hinder the natural authority of the supervisor in case of necessary reorientation.
Some good practices to avoid misunderstandings
- Set the framework from the welcome
- Standardize practices within the team
- Train the managers to the pedagogical posture
- Adapt according to the maturity of the apprentice
- Readjust if necessary, without hesitation
How to effectively manage the transition from "vous" to "tu"?
Switching from formal to informal address is a symbolic gesture: it marks a change in relational posture. Here are some tips for navigating this transition smoothly:
- Respect the right moment: Wait for trust to be established, especially if the relationship is recent or hierarchical.
- Make a real proposal: "Can we use the informal 'you', if you want?" gives the other person a choice and creates an atmosphere of respect.
- Knowing the industry codes: One does not always use the same form of address in tech as in watchmaking or the public sector.
- Stay professional: Using the informal "you" does not justify excessive familiarity or laxity.
- Clarify if needed: "With us, we easily use the informal 'you', but we remain demanding": a simple sentence that sets a clear framework.
What if the whole company switches to using "tu"?
Some companies choose to generalize the use of "tu" as a marker of their internal culture. In this case, it is better to prepare the transition collectively, gently:
- To talk about it openly
- Making sense of change
- Leave a margin of freedom
- Training managers in exemplary behavior (see our training in communication and leadership)
- Communicate with humor and kindness
What to do if the use of "tu" goes awry?
Even when well-intentioned, the use of the informal "tu" can sometimes lead to excesses: excessive familiarity, a loss of hierarchical references, tensions between colleagues, or a lack of professionalism in exchanges.
Some tips for reframing with finesse:
- Intervene quickly, at the first signs
- Adopt a calm and factual tone: "We keep the informal 'you', but we adjust the tone."
- Reaffirm the roles and expectations
- Support people who are uncomfortable
- Assume a temporary return to the formal "vous" address, if it serves the balance of the relationship
Clarity, consistency, and respect are the best allies for maintaining a healthy use of the informal "you".
At ectos, we use the informal "tu"... but intelligently
Our choice of using the informal "tu" is based on a conviction: the best collaborations are built on trust. Using "tu" facilitates exchanges, but it never replaces respect, listening, and rigor. We remain attentive to everyone, because for us, the right distance is the one you choose.