AS more and more people are hooked on WhatsApp and other forms of text messaging for keeping in touch, I see a marked deterioration of e-mail etiquette, especially for business communications.
Generally, we have very poor e-mail etiquette in this country. In contrast to letter writing, many are brought up in the e-mail culture where it is "acceptable" if one does not have to read e-mails once they receive it and it is ok just to leave it in their inbox. I noticed there are many who are quick to update their Facebook and Instagram but not so when it comes to replying e-mails.
To me, e-mails are a substitute to phone calls, and we should treat e-mails as such.
Some cardinal protocols that we all should all follow on e-mails are:
> E-mails should be replied within a reasonable time. Allocate some time daily to do this or just acknowledge the e-mail by saying you will revert soon.
> WhatsApp should not be used for formal or business communications as it is difficult to segregate and keep records of individual subject matter if discussions are done via this platform.
> Ensure that e-mail titles are edited/amended appropriately before hitting "send" button. This ensures the e-mail contents are correct and not the wrong subject line is used.
> Do not forward mails with "FW" or "Spam".
> Do not just forward e-mails without any explanation on the purpose you are forwarding, at the very least, just type "FYI".
> Once an e-mail is read, move it to the relevant folders so the not dealt ones are obvious.
> Periodically clear your Sent Folder and delete your Thrash folder contents.
> Try not to send huge files and clog up the recipient's inbox.
> If it is work related e-mails, deal with them first. Do not sit on it.
Business Etiquette
Kuala Lumpur
Generally, we have very poor e-mail etiquette in this country. In contrast to letter writing, many are brought up in the e-mail culture where it is "acceptable" if one does not have to read e-mails once they receive it and it is ok just to leave it in their inbox. I noticed there are many who are quick to update their Facebook and Instagram but not so when it comes to replying e-mails.
To me, e-mails are a substitute to phone calls, and we should treat e-mails as such.
Some cardinal protocols that we all should all follow on e-mails are:
> E-mails should be replied within a reasonable time. Allocate some time daily to do this or just acknowledge the e-mail by saying you will revert soon.
> WhatsApp should not be used for formal or business communications as it is difficult to segregate and keep records of individual subject matter if discussions are done via this platform.
> Ensure that e-mail titles are edited/amended appropriately before hitting "send" button. This ensures the e-mail contents are correct and not the wrong subject line is used.
> Do not forward mails with "FW" or "Spam".
> Do not just forward e-mails without any explanation on the purpose you are forwarding, at the very least, just type "FYI".
> Once an e-mail is read, move it to the relevant folders so the not dealt ones are obvious.
> Periodically clear your Sent Folder and delete your Thrash folder contents.
> Try not to send huge files and clog up the recipient's inbox.
> If it is work related e-mails, deal with them first. Do not sit on it.
Business Etiquette
Kuala Lumpur