What is a nice way of telling someone to stop sending you non-business related forwarded emails during business hours or to your business address? There is no nice way other than to come out and say it…
“I would appreciate if you could please refrain from sending non-business related emails to my business email address. Thank you!”
Forwarding in general seems to be a topic of much angst from both sides. Senders think they are being nice or thoughtful and don’t appreciate being made to feel otherwise. While Recipients have work to do and really do not want all that frivolous non-business unasked for noise in their inbox. If only Senders think first and forward selectivity and with discretion.
Particularity in business, forwarding questionable jokes, political or “feel good” emails to other’s business address (regardless of how noble or gracious your intentions may be) reflects a lack of respect for the fact it is their business address. For coworkers or employees to spread these type of emails around reflects they are not using their employer’s resources properly and calls their judgment and work ethic into question.
There is no place for these type of forwards in the business environment. You don’t know that others will have the same sense of humor or appreciate what you find funny. Nor do political emails belong in the workplace where you are supposed to be working not helping one candidate or another to campaign.
And, although those feel good emails may have a nice thought or wish for the person on the other side, save them for personal contacts or addresses where they belong. Would you call the person at their work number and state those messages verbally? Probably not — so just because you can click Forward, then Send — don’t send those messages to their business email account.
Every single email sent using a business address reflects on the Sender. What emails you deem important enough to use your employers resources to send during business hours when you are supposed to be concentrating on your responsibilities, will certainly cast light into the type of employee you are and your ability to prioritize.
Set an example by using your business email address and that of others for business communications alone.
Some More Info for You:
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I agree with your take on this solution, most times finding the courage to just come right out and say what needs to be said which I know that you have no problem doing at all. But, in the end I suppose you will have built a long lasting and trustworthy relationship.
Hey, SPJ:
Thank you for your comments! I have to wonder why we are so afraid or hesitant to kindly remind others about proper practices or what we prefer. Have we become so PC that we are all mushy wishy-washy and unwilling to stand up for anything? As you state I have no problem sharing my information, experience and opinions. But at the same time, that then seems to promote viscerally mean and threatening e-mails that I receive daily through all my Etiquette Sites. I look at it as a small price to pay — someone has to say this stuff and those who are here typing with me are like minds who want to get this info out there too.
At your service,
Judith
P.S. Your comment was on topic so that is why I have broken my usual rule of not approving comments where visitors do not use their name (and including keyword links in their comments). Please do me a favor and on future comments, use your name so we all know who we are talking to. (See the link at the top of the page Comment Policy). TYVM!