Research undertaken by Glasgow University found that 34 per cent of those surveyed admitted to feeling stressed by the number of emails they receive. In addition, 28 per cent were ‘driven’ to check their email too often because of a perceived pressure to respond quickly.
Though not definitive, the survey suggests email stress may be a negative side effect of the digital age. This situation may worsen too, as more workers are equipped with laptops, smart phones and mobile web connections - making email harder to ignore.
In response to the research, Business Link Business Adviser Peter Weeks said “Email is a powerful and convenient tool, but it can disrupt your productivity. That said, don’t blame the technology. You are responsible for how you manage your time.”
Assigning dedicated blocks of time for checking email, or simply closing your email program every so often, can help divert your attention onto more useful pursuits.
As for reducing the pressure to respond, a balancing act is required if you rely on email for generating or retaining business. Related research commissioned by Fasthosts concluded that businesses who fail to respond quickly to customer emails ‘are losing business’ to more responsive competitors.
Internally, you can define email guidelines through email usage policies, or introduce email productivity training to help employees manage things for themselves. When dealing with customers - if you really do feel the pressure - you need to think carefully about how to most effectively manage expectations, without losing business.
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