23 Ways to Say “Just a Heads Up” Professionally

In professional settings, communication is key, and knowing how to give notice professionally can enhance clarity and respect. Phrases like “Just a heads up” are commonly used to notify someone of important updates or upcoming events. However, there are various professional ways to give a heads up while maintaining a tone of respect and politeness.

In this article, we’ll explore 23 professional ways to say ‘Just a heads up’, with scenario examples to show you how to apply them in emails, meetings, and workplace communication.

Alternative ways to say “Just a Heads Up”

1. I’d Like to Bring to Your Attention

This phrase is a polite heads-up phrase that subtly highlights important information without sounding too informal. It’s ideal for pointing out something the recipient needs to know or focus on.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Project Deadline Update

Dear Sarah,

I’d like to bring to your attention that the deadline for the XYZ project has been moved to October 15th. Please make the necessary adjustments in your schedule.*

Best regards,

John

This is an excellent formal reminder phrase in a professional email.

2. Just Wanted to Give You a Heads Up Formal

This variation of “just a heads up” keeps the message formal yet approachable. It is often used when informing someone about a minor but important update.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Heads-Up About Tomorrow’s Meeting

Hi James,

Just wanted to give you a heads up formal: tomorrow’s meeting has been pushed to 3:00 PM. Please adjust your calendar accordingly.*

Thanks,

Lisa

This is a classic example of how to say ‘just heads up’ professionally in emails.

3. For Your Awareness

This is one of the most effective ways to inform someone professionally while staying brief. It’s commonly used in both written and verbal communication in business environments.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Upcoming System Downtime

Dear All,

For your awareness, there will be scheduled downtime of our internal systems on Friday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Ensure all your work is saved in advance.*

Best regards,

IT Support Team

This phrase is highly useful when you need to provide professional forewarning about potential interruptions.

4. I’d Like to Make You Aware

This phrase serves as a heads-up formal approach when you need to keep someone updated or informed about an issue.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Change in Client Meeting Time

Dear Paul,

I’d like to make you aware that the client meeting has been rescheduled to 2:00 PM on Thursday. Let me know if that works for you.

Best,

Samantha

It’s a direct yet polite way to say heads up in business.

5. I’d Like to Keep You in the Loop

This is a great professional phrase for giving a heads up when you need to ensure someone stays updated.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Project Status Update

Hi Megan,

I’d like to keep you in the loop about our progress on the marketing strategy. We’re currently finalizing the first draft, and I’ll send it for your review by the end of the week.

Thanks,

Alex

This phrase emphasizes keeping colleagues informed without being too casual.

6. Please Be Advised

A formal and assertive way to notify someone of important changes or updates. It’s one of the most common business communication phrases used in professional settings.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Maintenance Notification

Dear All,

Please be advised that maintenance work will be carried out this weekend from 12:00 PM Saturday to 6:00 AM Sunday. Kindly plan your work accordingly.

Regards,

Building Management

This is ideal for conveying important information professionally in large-scale communications.

7. I Wanted to Inform You

Another simple and professional way to say heads up. It strikes the right balance between formality and directness.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Team Lunch Rescheduled

Hi Team,

I wanted to inform you that the team lunch has been moved to Friday at 1:00 PM. Please update your calendars.

Thanks,

Rachel

This phrase works well for polite business email phrases that require timely notice.

8. As a Reminder

Using this phrase is ideal when you need to provide a formal reminder about an upcoming event or important task.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Payment Reminder

Dear Mr. Thompson,

As a reminder, your payment for the second quarter is due by the end of this week. Please ensure it is processed accordingly.

Best regards,

Finance Department

This is a clear example of how to notify in business emails.

9. Heads Up: There’s Been a Change

A slightly informal yet effective way to give notice. It’s particularly useful when you’re updating someone about a shift in plans.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Change in Venue

Hi Tom,

Heads up: there’s been a change in the venue for Friday’s meeting. We’ll now be meeting in Conference Room 2 on the third floor.

Cheers,

Dan

This works well as a heads up alternative in emails.

10. In Case You Weren’t Aware

This phrase is a professional way to update someone without sounding too forward.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Document Revision

Hi Anna,

In case you weren’t aware, the client has requested a revision on the contract terms. I’ve attached the updated document for your review.

Best,

Chris

A perfect phrase for professional update phrases in communication.

11. Just to Let You Know

This is an informal yet professional way to give a quick heads-up without diving into too much detail.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Office Closure Notice

Hi Team,

Just to let you know, the office will be closed on Monday for a public holiday. Please plan accordingly.

Best,

Jane

Ideal for internal communication where business communication etiquette is still required but can be less formal.

12. Please Note

A quick, professional courtesy phrase that alerts the recipient to something important.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Policy Update

Dear All,

Please note that there has been an update to our work-from-home policy, effective immediately. Refer to the attached document for full details.

Kind regards,

HR Department

This phrase works well when giving a professional update on policy or regulations.

13. This Is to Notify You

A formal reminder phrase that ensures clarity in professional settings.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Shift in Delivery Timeline

Dear Mr. Johnson,

This is to notify you that the delivery timeline for your order has been extended by three days due to unforeseen circumstances.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best regards,

Customer Service Team

A strong choice for formal reminder phrases.

14. As a Heads-Up

This phrase maintains the essence of just a heads up professionally, while slightly more formal.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Upcoming Inspection

Hi John,

As a heads-up, there will be an inspection of the storage facility next week. Please ensure everything is in order by then.

Thanks,

Mark

This is a good example of professional ways to keep someone in the loop.

15. For Your Reference

A common phrase used in business communication when sharing additional or clarifying information. It’s useful for informing someone in a professional setting.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Updated Price List

Dear Emily,

For your reference, I have attached the updated price list for your review. Let me know if you have any questions.

Best,

Tom

This phrase can also be part of effective communication in the workplace when sharing documents or data.

16. I Wanted to Make You Aware

This phrase is a great professional forewarning phrase that serves the purpose of informing someone about something relevant without sounding too abrupt.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Change in Project Scope

Dear Lisa,

I wanted to make you aware that the project scope has been slightly modified due to client feedback. I’ll send over the revised details later today.

Best,

Mark

It’s an ideal phrase for keeping the conversation polite while conveying important information professionally.

17. Kindly Note

This is a succinct and polite phrase used in emails to notify someone of important information. It’s often used in formal communication and works well as a professional courtesy phrase.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Payment Policy Update

Dear Customers,

Kindly note that we have updated our payment policy, effective October 1st. Please ensure your accounts reflect the necessary adjustments.

Sincerely,

Billing Department

This is a professional way to give a heads up without sounding too informal.

18. I’d Like to Notify You

Another direct and professional way to give someone a heads-up. This phrase works particularly well when you need to inform someone of an important development.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Team Expansion

Dear Mark,

I’d like to notify you that we’ll be expanding the marketing team next month to meet the growing client demands. I’ll share more details soon.

Best regards,

Sarah

This phrase is a business communication strategy to keep colleagues informed about organizational changes.

19. I Wanted to Update You

This phrase is ideal for professional update phrases, especially when you’re sharing progress or status reports.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Project Status Update

Hi Tom,

I wanted to update you on the progress of the design phase. We’re about 80% complete and on track to meet the October 5th deadline.

Thanks,

Rachel

This is one of the more casual yet effective ways to inform someone professionally.

20. Please Be Aware

A formal and professional phrase often used in written communication to inform someone of important changes or notices.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Policy Changes

Dear Employees,

Please be aware that there have been updates to the health and safety policies. You can find the revised guidelines in the attached document.

Best,

HR Department

This is a straightforward professional phrase for giving a heads up in a corporate setting.

21. In Case It Slipped Your Mind

A softer, more casual approach, ideal when you want to politely remind someone about something they may have forgotten. It’s a polite heads-up phrase.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Friendly Reminder About Tomorrow’s Meeting

Hi Jim,

In case it slipped your mind, we have a meeting scheduled for 10:00 AM tomorrow. Looking forward to discussing the new strategy.

Best,

Diane

This phrase provides a professional way to update someone without sounding too forceful.

22. As a Quick Reminder

A gentle and polite way to notify someone of something important. It’s a common heads up alternative in emails when you’re giving a subtle nudge.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Deadline Reminder

Hi Anna,

As a quick reminder, the deadline for submitting your report is Friday, October 1st. Please reach out if you need any assistance.

Best,

James

This phrase is useful in emails and works well for professional forewarning.

23. Just to Keep You in the Loop

This phrase strikes a balance between informal and professional and is commonly used to keep colleagues informed about ongoing matters.

Best Use and Example:

Subject: Marketing Strategy Update

Hi Megan,

Just to keep you in the loop, we’ve made some adjustments to the digital marketing plan. We’ll review it in detail during the next team meeting.

Thanks,

John

This phrase is great for keeping colleagues informed and effective communication in the workplace.

Is it Professional to Say “Just a Heads Up”?

While “Just a heads up” is commonly used in informal settings, it can be perceived as too casual in professional environments. In formal business communication, it’s recommended to use more polished alternatives such as “Please be advised”, “I’d like to notify you”, or “For your awareness” to maintain professionalism. However, in less formal workplace interactions, “Just a heads up” may be acceptable when addressing close colleagues or teams. Ultimately, choosing a professional phrase for giving a heads up depends on the tone and context of the communication.

Frequently Asked Question 

What to say instead of “just a heads up”?
Instead of “Just a heads up”, you can say “Please be advised” or “I’d like to notify you.”

What are different ways to say “heads up”?
Different ways to say “heads up” include “For your awareness” or “Kindly note.”

What is a synonym for “just a little heads up”?
A synonym for “just a little heads up” is “quick reminder” or “brief notice.”

What is another way to say “giving someone a heads up”?
Another way to say “giving someone a heads up” is “keeping you informed” or “bringing to your attention.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, using professional language when giving a heads-up is essential for maintaining clarity and respect in business communication. While phrases like “Just a heads up” may work in informal settings, it’s more appropriate to use polished alternatives like “Please be advised,” “For your awareness,” or “I’d like to notify you” in formal interactions. These phrases ensure that your communication remains clear and respectful, no matter the context. By choosing the right professional heads-up phrases, you can enhance your workplace interactions and foster a tone of professionalism in all communications.