so if a boss uses a staff member's formal name

[5jj]

Considering emsr2ds's last response, I think probably the writer confused "short names" like "Mike", "Bill", or "Steve" with "nicknames" like "Spudface", "Bubba", or "Skinny".

Soothing Dave, who is American, appears to think differently - see post #5.

I think that ems (post #4) is probably right about Britain. However, as I haven't worked there for fourteen years, I can't be sure about how things are today.

[emsr2d2]

I think it really depends on your work environment. If everyone is very relaxed, casual and friendly, then they might all refer to each other by contracted names, nicknames etc, regardless of their grade. I think the more serious the work environment, the less chance there is of such informality.

[SoothingDave]

I think it really depends on your work environment. If everyone is very relaxed, casual and friendly, then they might all refer to each other by contracted names, nicknames etc, regardless of their grade. I think the more serious the work environment, the less chance there is of such informality.

Correct. No one wants a lawyer or accountant called "One-eye" or "Spike."