Email In The Workplace

My intention over the holidays was to spend quality time with my family and not to check email. I came very close.

A client issue came up, and my office texted me to check my email for the details, which was the plan for anything urgent.

With the holiday season upon us, I know being able to disconnect from the office while on vacation is top of mind for many of us.

So as you’re thinking about how you’re going to make it totally clear in your out of office message that you’re not going to be checking email, consider a line from one of my favorite out of office messages I've received:

I’m not sure which comedian said: “Of all the things I’ve lost, I miss my mind the most!” While I wholeheartedly agree, I’m beginning to think that it’s time that I miss the most. Time is moving even faster than ever before, and it seems that I’m not alone – we all want some time back.

I appreciate technology as much as the next person, but I draw the line when it comes to inappropriate use of email. My email is exploding – literally. From unsolicited political or personal messages to the dreaded “reply all” on group communication, I’ve seen countless examples of blunders and misuse. I think we all have.

My family is finally sending those “laugh out loud” emails to my personal email, and I’m (slowly) training others when to include me in email chains and when not to. And while I’m the first one to value appreciative comments, I can pass on the “thanks” email that ends a chain.

Email is a form of one-way communication, meaning it does not allow for an immediate exchange of ideas. If you plan to use email as your communication tool, consider its limitations and your strategy for getting feedback. Aside from using email as a logistics coordination tool, it’s best used as follow-up to meetings or conference calls to recap concepts, agreements and gain alignment between groups.