When asked, 55 percent of these survey respondents admitted to digitally contacting their colleagues about work in the evenings.
The results of that survey found a correlation between after-hours communication and higher stress levels. Not only is it frustrating for some, but it can feel like a never-ending mountain to tackle.
That’s where the Inbox Zero Method can help. What is it, though, and how can you get started? Read on to learn more.
What Is the Inbox Zero Method?
This is an email management strategy that strives to keep your inbox free from new, unopened messages.
Emails can take up a lot of an employee’s mental space, and the Inbox Zero Method is aimed at removing the stress that comes with a cluttered inbox — whether it’s texts, emails, or even social media messages. These things are meant to help get things done, not stress you out even more.
Working with the Inbox Zero Method is a great way to begin doing exactly that.
Is It Worth Pursuing?
The answer to this question ultimately depends on personal preference. There is something to be said about getting rid of distractions in the workplace, though.
Any team or employee can benefit from better time management in the workplace, and keeping something as small as your inbox decluttered is a great way to gain control over all of it.
You’re only going to be thinking about and replying to emails once, meaning no more stress or annoyance over the build-up. You also won’t be handing all your time over to teammates and their needs. You’re slowly taking back your time and focusing on other things that matter for your work.
How Can You Get Started?
To start, you’ll need to delete unnecessary emails. Whether it’s marketing emails or a blast from a different department, if it’s not relevant to you, then get rid of it. If you get unnecessary emails, you can also download an unsubscribe chrome extension to help out.
Next, delegate where you can. If you don’t have answers or think someone else can better handle the situation, all you have to do is ask if they’re able to handle it.
Once you have everything cleared out, you’ll need to keep up with your inbox. That means continuously deleting what needs to be deleted and responding to things as soon as you receive them.
Is the Inbox Zero Method Right for You?
So, does the Inbox Zero Method sound like a good fit for you?
While it can sound like a lot of work, it’s worth pursuing in the end. Once you have everything cleared out, it’s just a matter of keeping up with your emails as they come. Make a habit of it and you’ll soon find that it doesn’t feel as overwhelming.
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