Introduction
Business Communication Continues to Surge, According to Latest Email Statistics Report.
The Radicati Group’s 2014-2018 Email Statistics Report confirms what many workers already know: the influx of business-related emails is only going to increase. Currently, workers receive an average of 121 emails per day, and by 2018, that number is projected to reach at least 140 emails per day. Despite the rise of alternative communication methods, email remains the most popular way for businesses to communicate.
The report also notes that workers are currently receiving an extra 13 emails per day on average than they did in 2011. In 2018, it is expected that workers will receive an average of 97 emails per day, which breaks down to 12 emails for every working hour. On the sending side, the report projects that workers will send an average of 43 emails per day, or roughly five emails per hour, equating to one email every 10 minutes.
For workers who already feel overwhelmed by the volume of emails they receive each day, these projections may sound daunting. However, by adopting effective email management strategies, it is possible to keep on top of the growing number of emails and maintain productivity in the workplace.
David Dercho, a client development manager, and networking advisor at Wallmans Lawyers in Adelaide, acknowledges that email has become an essential tool for sharing information in the business world. However, he notes that the increasing volume of emails can lead to frustration and inbox overload.
Dercho emphasizes the importance of good time management and implementing an effective strategy for handling emails, including actions such as saving or deleting messages. However, he suggests that the most effective approach may be to determine when a conversation may be more appropriate than an email exchange.
“I’m still a strong believer that relationships are personal, that face-to-face and relationship-based communication methods build that level of trust which is important in business,” he says.
“Email can lose the subtext. Face-to-face conversations bring back that subtext, you can have that immediate understanding.
“Email to email remains absolutely critical… but unless you are absolutely clear with language and have a clear indication that the person receiving the information is clear what the information is, you still run the risk of missing the mark and them saying something back/seeking clarification with something you thought was clear and straightforward.”
According to the report, although employers are adopting new communication technologies such as instant messaging, email remains the primary mode of communication in the workplace. The projected growth in business emails stands in contrast to the relatively stable number of personal emails, as individuals increasingly turn to social networking, instant messaging, mobile IM, and SMS text messaging for their personal communications.
To manage their emails effectively, Dercho suggests that workers should prioritize clear and action-oriented language in their messages. He recommends a three-pronged approach: deleting messages that require no action, saving those that may be relevant later, and prioritizing those that require immediate action. By implementing these strategies, workers can prevent their inboxes from becoming overwhelming and time-consuming.
How to protect your business.
As the volume of emails and other digital communications increases in the workplace, the risk of cyber threats and privacy breaches also rises. To mitigate these risks, many businesses are turning to cyber and privacy insurance policies. These policies provide coverage for expenses associated with data breaches, cyber-attacks, and other digital security incidents, including legal fees, regulatory fines, and public relations costs. Cyber and privacy insurance can be especially valuable for small businesses and startups, which may not have the resources to handle a significant data breach or cyber-attack on their own. As the business world continues to rely heavily on email and other digital communications, cyber and privacy insurance is becoming an essential part of risk management strategies for many organizations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, email remains a critical communication tool for businesses, and its use is projected to increase even further in the coming years. While the growing number of emails can lead to frustration and inbox overload, workers can manage their emails effectively through strategies such as time management, prioritization, and clear communication. Additionally, businesses can mitigate the risks of cyber threats and privacy breaches by investing in cyber and privacy insurance policies. As technology continues to play a central role in the workplace, it is essential to stay vigilant and adopt best practices for email management and digital security. With the right strategies and policies in place, businesses can maximize the benefits of email and other digital communications while minimizing the associated risks.