Sunday, December 4, 2011

How Email's Can Cost Employees their Jobs

In order to appeal to the masses, I have come back to deliver one final business blog. In part because my computer hates me and I am too busy right now to do any more at this time (Be lucky I am doing this one!)

Today's blog is on how email's can cost employees their jobs. Here are some tips that were given....

NEVER use the "Bcc" unless you have to when sending an email. The Bcc (or Blind Carbon Copy) sends an email in carbon copy to someone who does not appear in the seen email list. In other words, if you accidentally send out a "CC" to someone who wasn't supposed to get that particular message, it could backfire severely! This is the only time a Bcc is used (when there is a reason someone has a message but others in the group aren't supposed to know- Like a boss for example!) So if you accidentally CC someone who wasn't supposed to get the message; that is an issue if others don't want that person to know the situation. However, if you leave someone out, it's also an issue. So emails are a very important tool in the workforce.

Secondly, you should never seem too arrogant in an email. Some workers have a feeling that since they are not seeing eye-to-eye with someone, that they can get away with more and ask for more in return. Your boss or co-worker may think otherwise. So always act as if you are talking to them in person when writing an email. 

A big thing with email writing is respect. If you do not respect your co-workers, they will not respect you. You are to treat your workers with the respect and dignity they deserve when you send out an email. DO NOT use slang terms, vulgar language, or anything pity just to tell them they are wrong. As adults, people have to professionally explain the situation, ask for some advice on how to work it out, and do so without having too many other people get involved.

Finally, never use an auto-response email unless it is the company's policy or you are on vacation. People can usually tell when a message is automated to signify the business of the worker. They feel that even if the message says " Thank you for your interest. We will respond soon," that well...you may NEVER respond because it will get lost and buried. People could also feel frustrated with these messages, lowering the work output levels. Always try to respond to each email you receive. It is work, but it is well worth the reward.

Also...make sure when sending out an email, you give people time to respond. Wait a day or so. Don't give them an hour!! Don't be an impatient brat!! We do have a lot to do people. Don't wait til the last minute to tell us an important issue, because even though email is fast and efficient, we don't check it every freakin minute of our lives! If there is an emergency email/attachment for someone, in actuality the best way to get that message to a person fastest is to call them. Telephones are noisy and if that person is at his office, at least he will hear it.

That it is for today. Hopefully I will have more time soon since I'll be looking for work. Enjoy! :)