An email sent to a new employee to outline company policy on annual leave is a(n) __________message.

The classification of the email as an informative message is accurate because its primary function is to convey essential information regarding company policy on annual leave to a new employee. Informative messages are designed to share knowledge, details, or instructions, ensuring that the recipient is aware of relevant policies, procedures, or data that they need to understand or follow.

In this context, the email serves the purpose of educating the new employee about their entitlements and the processes associated with taking annual leave, thus helping them acclimate to the company's practices. By focusing on clear and concise communication of facts, the email is intended to enhance the employee's understanding of their rights and responsibilities within the workplace.

In contrast, persuasive messages aim to convince the recipient to adopt a specific viewpoint or take action, emotional messages seek to evoke feelings or reactions, and directive messages typically instruct someone to do something or provide commands. While the email may have elements that instruct or clarify, its core intent to inform makes it best categorized as an informative message.