Lenka PincotChief of Staff to the CEO| Project Management InstituteParis, France
Hi everyone! I'm having this question on my mind for a long time and I was wondering what is your opinion? Is it ok to write emails late at night so that people see them the first thing in the morning or othen at the same night because we all stay very much connected 24/7 and use smartphones.
How do you feel about that?
Thanks for sharing! Saving Changes...
Wade HarshmanScrum Master| GDITIndianapolis, In, United States
I've enjoyed this discussion. Thank-you to Priyanshu and Eric (among others) for pointing out that perception depends on your culture and team dynamics (i.e. you may not all be in the same time zone, so "work hours" may not be synchronized). Saving Changes...
JAMES THOTTANProgram Management / Delivery Consultant | Foundaion InfoTech Corp.Plano, Tx, United States
A team culture could be established to only respond to emails during the respective time zone based work hours unless it is an exception. I agree with Anton O above - in this age of geographically dispersed teams and time differences - emails have to be sent out at any/all times based on the sender's convenience/reasons - and maybe the subject line or a follow-up phone call can highlight the need for immediate attention if necessary. Saving Changes...
Christian NelsonTeam Lead| TaaffeNelson & AssociatesClogherhead, County Louth, Ireland
I use the following thought process: what do I know, who needs to know it, and have I told them yet. With that in mind, I also understand that many people do not read emails or listen to voice mail after work hours. I respect the balance of work and personal life as a necessity, but also realize that work allows for the many comforts of life people enjoy. My last sentence generates / creates the most conversation among team members; and their comments are reflective of the rich cultural differences they bring with them. As a manager I enjoy listening, as I learn from what is being said. I also know each situation is different and sometimes tasks cannot wait. It is a balancing act that we all face, just be upfront and truthful with your team about what expectations are, and if you must encroach on their personal time be ready to offer something in return. Saving Changes...
It is all dependent on situations and Priority but if you make a habit of responding or writing e-mail by 24/7 then the client and stakeholders expect a response immediately / quickly, so make a habit or follow project communication plan from project to project and situation and Priority Also we have to balance professional and personal life equally. Saving Changes...
I would say to do this sparingly as it would setup a dangerous precedent.
When done right, your colleagues will know that you are sending emails at night/weekend because it is important to be communicated.This develops your influence and reach in the organization. Saving Changes...
Larry MinerFounder and Sr. Project Management of Decision Memory Systems| Decision Memory SystemsBath, Oh, United States
If the request or thought is after hours or on the weekend and I want attention as soon as I can get it, I compose and send the email to myself. I then review it the early the next morning because I've thought it out further and maybe want to word it a bit differently. Then I send it, so it's on top of the stream of the recipient that morning and it's exactly what I wanted to say. Saving Changes...
Karen CherrettConsultant / Trainer / Coach| Project Management InsightsCo, United States
When do YOU switch off? That's the one thing that I realized when I would do this. I spent all my time working. No work/life balance for me. It wasn't healthy.
I love the idea of scheduling the emails. The concept of them being in the teams' inbox at the start of the day is great as I think items are more likely to be actioned or responded to when that's the case.
Having no expectations as to when you will receive a reply is also important. Late night emails also worked great when I had a remote team working in another part of the world. I was more likely to get a response from them, as it was their work day.
For me, balance is the key. Saving Changes...
Ann SavageRetired and on to new adventures| Self-employedNorth Bay, Ontario, Canada
I used to schedule emails to send during working hours. However, now I send them whenever. I myself have all email alerts turned off. If someone needs me urgently, they know to call or text. I do check emails occasionally outside working hours and will respond on occasion but I do not feel obligated to do so. Sometimes responding to an email in the evening helps to keep your plan for the following day intact, actually reducing instead of increasing stress. Saving Changes...
I think the most important thing to consider can be captured with the phrase "Know your audience".
Some people are so engrossed with their work that they crave that 24/7 connectivity, would welcome the after hours e-mails, and you will probably have good results and good feedback with after hours requests.
Others are quite happy to perform their work during normal hours, and then relish their work life balance. You probably aren't going to get the response you want or need from those folks if you do send it.
I think it all depends on your audience, your team makeup, and obviously geographic locations and time zones. Saving Changes...
