The Enduring Value of Handwritten Notes in American Business Culture Amid Digital Age
In the digital age, handwritten notes remain influential in American business culture. Financial advisor Ted Jenkin writes five to ten thank-you notes weekly, citing their effectiveness in building relationships and differentiating oneself in business. Handwritten notes are valued for their personal touch, especially among working-class Americans who prefer tangible communication. Writing by hand offers mental benefits like mindfulness and clarity, which digital tools lack. While digital platforms enhance efficiency, they often miss the emotional connection that handwritten notes provide, making them a strategic asset in fostering workplace relationships and culture.
The Handwritten Note: A Business Strategy, Not a Relic
Ted Jenkin, a financial advisor and entrepreneur, has written five to ten handwritten thank-you notes every week for over 25 years. He doesn’t do it out of nostalgia. He does it because it works. “When you take five minutes to write a thoughtful message that says, ‘I see you, I appreciate you,’ it sticks,” Jenkin wrote in a Fox News opinion piece. “It differentiates you. And in business, differentiation is everything.”
In a world where emails are skimmed and Slack messages are forgotten, a handwritten note commands attention. It’s tactile, deliberate, and personal. Jenkin credits this practice with helping him build stronger partnerships, generate referrals, and even land job offers. “These aren’t generic ‘Congrats!’ or ‘Well done!’ scribbles,” he explains. “They’re sincere expressions of gratitude—direct, personal, and specific.”
This sentiment is echoed by professionals across industries. A handwritten note, especially in business, is more than a courtesy—it’s a strategy. It signals emotional intelligence, attention to detail, and a willingness to go the extra mile. In a competitive job market, those qualities can be the difference between being remembered and being overlooked.
A Working-Class Preference for the Tangible
While tech companies and white-collar offices race toward paperless solutions, many working-class Americans continue to value the tangible. In a society increasingly obsessed with speed and automation, the working class often finds itself alienated by digital-first policies that overlook their preferences and needs.
The handwritten note, in this context, becomes more than a communication tool—it becomes a symbol of respect. It says, “I took the time.” And for many workers, especially those in trades, service, and manufacturing, that time matters.
In his article, Jenkin points out that people—young and old—often thank him for sending a thank-you card. “That’s not strange,” he writes. “That’s a signal. A signal that in today’s economy, emotional intelligence is as valuable as financial intelligence.”
This resonates with a broader truth: America’s working class wants to be seen, heard, and appreciated. They want authenticity over automation, connection over convenience. And in many cases, a handwritten note delivers just that.
The Mental and Emotional Benefits of Writing by Hand
Beyond business, the act of writing by hand offers psychological benefits that digital communication often lacks. According to a report from The Daily Star, letter writing—whether on paper or via stylus—encourages mindfulness, creativity, and emotional clarity. “The deliberate nature of letter writing… can serve as a form of mindfulness, promoting a sense of calm and focus,” the article notes.
This is particularly relevant in high-stress work environments, where employees are bombarded with notifications and expected to multitask constantly. Taking a few minutes to write a note by hand can offer a rare moment of reflection and intentionality.
For professionals, this practice can also sharpen communication skills. “The ability to convey ideas clearly and persuasively on paper is a valuable asset in any field,” the article continues. Unlike texting or emailing, which often rely on shorthand and fragmented thoughts, letter writing demands coherence and structure.
Digital Tools vs. Human Touch
Of course, the push toward digitalization is not without merit. Platforms like KanbanBoard tout the efficiency of digital checklists and task management systems. These tools reduce human error, streamline operations, and support sustainability by cutting down on paper use. “Typing on digital platforms is more accurate than handwriting, which can be hard to read or misinterpreted,” one article explains.
But while digital tools excel at managing workflows, they often fall short in building relationships. A digital checklist can assign a task, but it can’t express gratitude. A Slack message can confirm a meeting, but it rarely leaves a lasting impression.
That’s where handwritten notes come in. They fill the emotional gap left by digital communication. They humanize the workplace. And in doing so, they offer a competitive edge that no app or algorithm can replicate.
The Rise of Hybrid Solutions
Interestingly, the digital age hasn’t killed letter writing—it’s transformed it. Apps like Lettre for iPad blend the charm of handwritten letters with the convenience of digital delivery. Users can write with a stylus, preserving the personal touch, while still benefiting from the speed and reach of modern technology.
This hybrid approach reflects a growing recognition that not all communication should be automated. Some messages—especially those involving appreciation, condolences, or congratulations—deserve more than a quick emoji or a templated email.
A Culture of Gratitude in the Workplace
In many companies, especially those led by executives who value emotional intelligence, handwritten notes are becoming part of the organizational culture. Jenkin, for example, has made it a point to write cards every week since launching his businesses over 18 years ago. “Culture starts at the top,” he says. “Real cards, with real ink.”
This practice fosters loyalty, boosts morale, and strengthens team cohesion. It also sets a tone of respect and appreciation—values that are often overlooked in fast-paced, results-driven environments.
And the return on investment? According to Jenkin, it’s substantial. “When you write thank-you notes consistently, you strengthen your reputation, multiply your touchpoints and turn acquaintances into advocates,” he writes. “That translates to better job offers, warmer leads and stronger partnerships.”
The Quiet Power of Slowing Down
In a world that prizes speed, the handwritten note is a quiet act of rebellion. It says, “I’m not too busy to care.” And in doing so, it creates a moment of connection that digital tools can’t replicate.
For America’s working class, for business professionals, and for anyone seeking to stand out in a crowded marketplace, the message is clear: sometimes, the best way forward is to slow down, pick up a pen, and write it out.
