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Internal email subject line examples, inspiration library, and checklist
In our 2025 Internal Communication Benchmarks Report, we analyzed thousands of internal emails and found that subject lines between 21–40 characters consistently performed best (earning open rates as high as 76.13%). Subject lines over 80 characters? A drop-off to 66.77%. Use the checklist below to gut-check your subject lines before you hit send, pull inspiration from real examples, and write subject lines that make your emails impossible to ignore (in a good way, of course).
How to use this internal email subject line checklist
This resource is designed to help you craft high-performing internal email subject lines with confidence, using our data-backed checklist and inspiration library. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Make a copy: Click “Make a copy” to personalize this toolkit. Add your own subject lines, track performance, and adapt the examples for your company’s tone and culture.
Use it as your gut-check before sending: Before you hit “send,” run through the checklist to make sure your subject line is clear, timely, and engaging. Use the sweet spot of 21–40 characters as your guide.
Pull from real examples: Browse the inspiration library for subject lines proven to work across updates, events, recognition, and more. Just swap in your specifics where needed.
Tweak for tone and context: Personalize subject lines using merge tags, emojis (sparingly!), or time references like “This week” or “March updates” to match the message tone and timing.
Share with your team: Distribute the toolkit to your internal comms, HR, or leadership teammates so everyone’s aligned on what works (and why)!
Test, iterate, and improve: Subject lines aren’t one-and-done. Use your internal comms platform (Workshop can help!) to A/B test, preview across devices, and monitor open rates.
What you'll find in this subject line resource
This resource is designed to help you write internal email subject lines that employees actually open. Here’s what you’ll find inside:
Structure & format: A straightforward checklist and table to help you brainstorm, review, and finalize subject lines.
Real-world examples: A categorized inspiration library with subject lines that reflect what’s working now, from company updates to culture moments and time-sensitive reminders.
Tone guidance: Subject line examples are tagged by tone (urgent, celebratory, clear, friendly), helping you match the message with the right level of energy and personality.
Purpose-driven categories: Whether you’re sending an event invite, a leadership update, or a policy change, there’s an example to help you nail the framing and intent.
Data-backed best practices: Based on Workshop’s 2025 Benchmark Report, the toolkit includes open rate data and character count targets so you can write with confidence and clarity.
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Internal email subject line examples + checklist
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