What we can learn from Rapture-gate

Charis Torrance

When a single internal email from a KPMG employee went viral in September 2025, it triggered more than online jokes. The message warned colleagues that the “Rapture” was imminent and urged them to repent. The internet responded fast. Memes followed. HR teams scrambled. The incident quickly earned the nickname Rapture-gate.

Beyond the humour, the episode exposed a serious issue. Workplace emails move fast, spread faster, and rarely stay private. One message can become a reputational problem overnight.

So what are the unspoken rules of workplace email etiquette, and how do you avoid becoming the next cautionary tale?

We asked Kgomotso Ramoenyane, Executive General Manager of Human Resources at Business Partners Limited, to share practical guidance.

Think before you send

Email speed often beats clear thinking. That gap causes trouble.

“Always take a moment to review your email before hitting send,” says Ramoenyane.

This goes beyond spotting typos. It means checking clarity and intent.

Do this every time:
• Check spelling and grammar. Errors damage credibility.
• Confirm names and titles. Misspelling signals carelessness.
• State the purpose clearly. Action or information only.

“An unclear email creates more emails,” she says.

Respect privacy and confidentiality

Internal emails do not stay internal. Rapture-gate proved that point.

“Workplace emails often include sensitive information,” Ramoenyane warns. “Think carefully about what you share and who sees it.”

Best practice includes:
• Use BCC for large groups.
• Never forward emails without permission.
• Question whether every recipient needs the message.

“Once it’s in writing, it’s permanent,” she adds.

Avoid the reply-all trap

Replying to everyone when one person will do frustrates colleagues and clogs inboxes.

“Mass emails create overload,” says Ramoenyane.

To reduce noise:
• Limit who sends company-wide messages.
• Use distribution lists only when needed.
• Encourage direct responses instead.

“Targeted communication respects people’s time.”

Keep it professional, even in relaxed cultures

A friendly office does not remove the need for a professional tone.

“A casual message can land badly,” Ramoenyane explains.

Avoid:
• Slang
• Emojis
• Overly informal language

Tone shifts easily across teams and cultures. What feels light to one person may feel dismissive to another.

Double-check your recipients

Autofill creates risk. One accidental click can send sensitive information to the wrong person.

“Sending an email to the wrong group can have serious consequences,” she says.

Pause before sending. Check names. Check groups. That habit prevents embarrassment and formal action.

Use the urgent flag sparingly

Urgent loses meaning when everything carries a red exclamation mark.

“Marking every email as urgent dilutes the impact when something truly matters,” says Ramoenyane.

If something needs immediate attention, follow up with a call or message. Overuse trains people to ignore you.

Keep personal beliefs out of work inboxes

Rapture-gate shows how quickly personal beliefs cause discomfort at work.

“We work in diverse environments,” Ramoenyane says. “Personal religious or political views do not belong in workplace emails.”

Do not share:
• Political opinions
• Religious messages
• Gender or race-based jokes
• Explicit or offensive content

“If it’s not work-related, don’t send it.”

Professionalism protects you

Rapture-gate shows that one email can escape its intended audience and context within minutes.

“Good email etiquette is not about being rigid,” Ramoenyane concludes. “It’s about respect for colleagues, the organisation, and yourself.”