Why do we need email etiquettes?
A company needs to implement etiquette rules for the following three reasons:
- Professionalism: by using proper email language your company will convey a professional image.
- Efficiency: emails that get to the point are much more effective than poorly worded emails.
- Protection from liability: employee awareness of email risks will protect your company from costly law suits.
Most Important Tips
- Be concise and to the point
- Answer all questions, and pre-empt further questions
- Use proper spelling, grammar & punctuation
- Make it personal
- Use templates for frequently used responses
- Answer swiftly
- Do not attach unnecessary files
- Use proper structure & layout
- Do not overuse the high priority option
- Do not write in CAPITALS
- Don’t leave out the message thread
- Add disclaimers to your emails
- Read the email before you send it
- Do not overuse Reply to All
- Mailings > use the bcc: field or do a mail merge
- Take care with abbreviations and emoticons
- Be careful with formatting
- Take care with rich text and HTML messages
- Do not forward chain letters
- Do not request delivery and read receipts
- Do not ask to recall a message.
- Do not copy a message or attachment without permission
- Do not use email to discuss confidential information
- Use a meaningful subject
- Use active instead of passive
- Avoid using URGENT and IMPORTANT
- Avoid long sentences
- Don’t send or forward emails containing libelous, defamatory, offensive, racist or obscene remarks
- Don’t forward virus hoaxes and chain letters
- Keep your language gender neutral
- Don’t reply to spam
- Use cc: field sparingly
Source: http://www.emailreplies.com.