The Night Communicator
We all know them, the friends, the colleagues, who prefer to send texts or emails late at night. They make their point with late night dings, swishes, bells, whatever your chosen notification tone may be. But, when does that behavior become a point of no return?
Professionally speaking, a good policy to follow is try to keep those work emails or texts limited to the work day. For many, that is defined as 8 AM – 5 PM. It may start later or extend an additional hour, depending on your industry, but those hours are a good foundation. With so much information being shared digitally, it can be freeing to enjoy an evening void of work emails.
We all know the type that constantly sends communications outside of the usual work day. There are some who even focus on sending information out in the evening, after they have had dinner. Occasionally, there is the person who sends emails or texts into the wee hours of the morning. Newsflash – this is more irritating than it is effective. The message of the communication may even be lost or forgotten if the recipient is highly agitated by the lack of respect shown with a late night or pre-dawn email or text. This is important for all of us to consider.
There may be valid reasons for sending emails or texts after hours. Looming deadlines, newly discovered information, information the sender is waiting on, these are but a few good reasons. But, use them sparingly. Every email is not an emergency. Much of the information in emails can wait until normal working hours. Do not become the sender that receivers cringe at or roll their eyes when they see it is you. Your point will be lost with them and replaced by sheer irritation.
Consider what happens when you send that late night communication. The recipient may be at dinner with friends or family, out for the evening, or simply enjoying a quiet and relaxing evening after a long or hard day at work. You do not want to be that “Ding” that disrupts any of these scenarios. Respect their time, respect their emotional state of mind, and respect the working relationship you have with them. If they have not asked you to send information at any time, do not send it. Make it a Point to preserve their sanity. It will be sincerely appreciated.
If you absolutely need to press that send button, consider using the automatic send option on your emails. You can schedule the time they are sent. Choose 8 AM so it is received first thing in the morning versus overnight. It really can make a difference with your recipient.
Consider your timing on sending out emails or texts. Your clients, vendors, colleagues do not need to hear from you 24/7. Respect that relationship and focus on sending communications during normal work hours, it really will enhance your professional profile with many.
Be well.
