Unnecessary Business Email Thank Yous?
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What’s with all the complaining about “Thank You” emails? I can’t believe the emails I receive on the topic that claim they are a waste of time, annoying, and shouldn’t be sent.
I’ve posted on the topic of Thank You curmudgeons previously and have been on the receiving end of “thank you” emails. Yet, not once was I annoyed. Instead, I smile, then hit Delete. So, where is the angst coming from?
Today I had a site visitor email about this topic that had a slightly different twist, so I thought I would share our conversation with you.
Hmmm… With the amount of help I offer, from experience, infrequent are the thank you emails. So to be so special that you get so many “thanks” and then to state that is annoying?
Thank Yous are Uncommon
Since so few take that extra step to send gratitude (in my experience anyway), I think sending a thank you is a nice gesture we should always appreciate. I cannot imagine ever becoming tired of emails that thank me.
To continue…
Okay, so this may not be an issue of one showing sincere gratitude, but a co-worker acknowledging receipt of emails. Then, why not just hit the Delete button and move on?
Since your sanity is at stake, did you kindly let them know that not every email requires a response? Therefore, there is no need to send a “Thanks” to confirm receipt.
Thank You = Acknowledgement?
Unless there is something that specifically needs to be confirmed or responded to because you asked them to, no response is necessary. However, if they asked you a question or for some information and you obliged, they were thanking you for your time and efforts.
What is wrong with that? Some folks are natural “thankers.”
She goes on…
Tracking, or Return Receipts are not something you can rely on. Remember that RR/Return Receipt only acknowledges that an email was received/opened – not read. Or what if she has her settings, as I do, to ignore RRs?
If you think thank you emails are crazy, imagine having to acknowledge every RR? So requiring an RR with every email is not an option.
Be grateful for the thank you and move on. Even if done for reasons one disagrees with, it is still a nice gesture from someone making an extra effort.
Everyone should be concerned if human beings ever get to a point where being thanked is viewed as annoying. Very concerned.
