There’s no easy answer. I don’t believe there is such a thing as an appropriate response time for an e-mail, primarily because every business is different and so is each situation. If you run a business that gets about 40 e-mails a day, you may have the luxury to respond to each of them – if you‘re so inclined. But if you work in a department that gets 400 e-mails a day – or you get that many yourself periodically – it’s virtually impossible to respond to some people at all. Unless your company policy dictates that e-mails be checked and responded to on a regular basis, e-mail recipients aren’t under any obligation to respond. Your chances for an immediate reply improve considerably if the subject line is clear and there’s a call to action.
While e-mails might be a widely accepted “non-intrusive” form of communication, we sometimes forget it’s just one tool used in business. Besides people get overwhelmed with e-mails. Instead of getting an attitude, when you don’t get what you consider a timely response, I suggest trying another communication tool – like the phone.
Sharon Christal, a Las Vegas-based publicist, suggests staying focused on the intended goal of your e-mail. For instance, in her world, relationships with media are continuously important for various clients and events. It doesn’t make sense to get emotional about a response – or lack of response. It may jeopardize a relationship. Her advice: Take initiative to follow-up.
“When I’m communicating with someone by e-mail I keep in mind my audience and how quickly I need a response. I recognize the media receives countless e-mails all day long. So if I want to ensure that it’s received, I pick up the phone. If it’s someone that I don’t know well, it’s an absolute.”
At a time when we rely on e-mail more and more as a standard form of communication, it’s a reminder of how important it is to connect with people.“
