Communications Corner: Email as a communication tool isn’t dead; just understand where it needs to live in your communication strategy

In the era of ever-evolving electronic communication, the old-timer among the many tools, email, still has its place, but you need to make sure you have it positioned correctly to use it effectively.
 
With texting and other modes of modern-day communication available at just about everyone’s fingertips 24/7, many people still go to email as their first or preferred communication channel.
 
According to the 2019 “Adobe Email Usage Study,” Americans check their work email (three-plus hours a day) and personal email (two-plus hours a day). This comes out to around five hours per day checking emails.
 
Considering the demise of email was predicted for more than a decade, the study shows people still value it. It is one of the most or most preferred methods of communication for work, important correspondence, and even marketing.
 
So, knowing when and when not to use email to talk to employees, customers, and others is key.
 
Email is effective for:

• Giving timely, consistent information to a group
• Ensuring a record of your communication
• Directing the receiver to online sources of information or content in an attachment
• Providing brief status updates

 
Email may not work well for:

• Providing bad or negative news
• Giving complex, detailed, or lengthy information or instructions
• When the receiver deserves a chance to give instant feedback or response
• When there might be nuance or context that may not come across well in written words (such as expressing feelings)