Productivity

From Subject Line To Signature — Email Less, Communicate More

Tips for effective email communication in the modern work environment

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

Preface

I wrote this article a year ago but did not publish it. It was written as an exploration of effective communication methods in an ever-changing digital landscape; I questioned its relevance at the time. I questioned how many organizations were implementing new digital communication tools, how many were stuck solely on email and how many were intentionally investing in face-to-face interactions. It appears the coronavirus answered my questions. Transforming the way we communicate at work is no longer a choice, it’s a requirement — a forced innovation.

As we collectively undergo this transformation, it is important to understand how to get the most out of the tools at our disposal, including the tried and true – email.

Email less, Communicate more

I recently returned from a two-week vacation — my first substantial break from work in years. In the days leading to my departure, my anxiety grew.

• “What if the team needs my input on something?”
• “What if I miss an important meeting?”