I work in a corporate atmosphere in France and sent a group email to a bunch of people including two women.
The email started with "Dear Sirs". This annoyed one of the women, who happens to be English.
I'm afraid that I may have assimilated too much French, though the email was in English, and can no longer remember what would have been more appropriate. Personally, though I'm told that "Dear Sirs" is considered sexist, I cannot understand why.
Anyway, my point is that I don't know how I should have started the email.
"Dear Sirs and Madams" sounds awful.
"Ladies and Gentlemen" seems trite. It sounds as though I'm announcing a stage show.
What would have been more appropriate?
Many thanks