From top organizations to startups, all need clear communication between employees, employers, and clients for smooth functioning. It helps maintain the workflow. It creates proper documentation of what is happening inside the organization branch. Effective messaging requires a robust and concise approach. One way to manage internal interactions is through email threads.
WHAT IS IT?
As the name suggests, email threads are links between two events, in this case, messages. It is a method to organize and structure incoming mail for clarity. It clubs together relevant info.
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Email threads are used by groups of employees working on the same project, in similar positions, etc. One can use it to keep a single communication channel open between a company and a specific client.
WHO USES IT?
In general, it is used by organizations and individuals looking to maintain a chain of conversations without other emails getting in the way. It eliminates confusion.
HOW IT WORKS?
For instance, in an organization with 50+ employees and 5+ managers, we have five employees who are working on a project called X. They have to report this project to their manager, M. An email thread, in this case, looks something like:
To ensure efficient communication, only those actively involved in Project X will receive emails related to the project. The email thread for Project X will only include those assigned to prevent confusion and make the response time faster.
5 BEST PRACTICES FOR KEEPING UP WITH EMAIL THREADS MANAGEMENT:
1. Restraint one topic or project per email thread:
- Discussing multiple projects or topics in an email thread can increase confusion. More no. of topics can disrupt the flow of work. One can go off-topic quickly. I prefer staying on one topic of discussion.
- It is vital to establish the purpose and topics of discussion for this email thread from the beginning. It helps in getting email threads decluttered from irrelevant emails.
- Ensure separate email threads exist for employees working on specific projects, clients, managerial works, general groups, etc.
- Keep email threads organized and collapse the read messages. The most recent message should go on top. Emails should be arranged in chronological order to avoid any confusion.
- Avoid turning email threads into a chat messenger and including unnecessary images.
- Use multithread to keep up with multiple topics without losing or deleting an email.
- Some apps have label options. You can use it to better organize your emails by assigning label names to projects that include multiple threads.
2. Only add contacts who are working on the specific topic or project:
- Adding people who are not on project leads can lead to unnecessary confusion. People working on another project might go off-topic.
- It is important to add only the relevant contacts.
- When adding a new user, let others know beforehand.
- At any point, if clarity is lost, put the topic back in focus.
3. Use an email thread when a topic or project requires more than one person to communicate:
- Don’t create unnecessary email threads. Only use threads when multiple people are required to be on board.
- Avoid writing long threads or stretching them too long. Start a new email thread if the discussion topic is over or the project is finished.
- An overused email thread can become messy and chaotic.
4. Keep it formal and organize new email threads:
- A professional language for communication is a must. Avoid emotional or angry responses in threads. Remove acknowledgments from threads like Thanks; I got it, to avoid unnecessary cluttering.
- While working on a big project, divide the thread based on roles. People might scroll endlessly if threads get too long, looking for relevant information.
- Too many threads can lead to confusion among people. Ensure that new email conversations are well-organized.
5. Structuring email threads:
- Write threads so that it is easy to read or skim through.
- Usage of professional and valuable responses should be encouraged.
- Make sure everyone is on the same page.
- Make sure it is precise and concise. Use attention-grabbing headings and prefer writing in point than in paragraph format. A clear subject line is a must.
- Keep the readability accessible. Make sure it is error-free.
- Instead of replying to each, go for the option answer all. It keeps messages tidy.
- Make sure you are heading forwards toward your objective.
- Avoid too many acronyms and abbreviations.
- While replying, add a reference to the original email to prevent misunderstanding.
PROS & CONS of Email Threads:
Pros:
- The relevant recipients are grouped for easy reference.
- It makes things easier to track.
- Everyone on board is informed.
- It reduces the cluttering of unimportant messages.
- Threads organization can be activated via the app setting.
- ● It prevents data leaks as only relevant contacts access the information.
Cons:
- An email thread can get too long.
- Some clients do not support email threads.
- If unnecessary people are added, it might create confusion.
USES AS EMAIL MARKETING
Email marketing is one of the most popular and affordable marketing techniques. Businesses can use email threads to send promotional emails to respective customers. Organizations can cluster specific clients or customers via thread. Companies can use this to send promotional content to their group. It is an excellent way to advertise products or services through email marketing.
FINAL SAY
Not all projects or topics require email threads. Almost all major email service providers, like Google, Yahoo, Outlook, Mac, etc., have email threads in their software. You can add CC or BCC as per requirement. Email thread management is one of the best techniques to maintain the workflow and have crystal-clear conversations. Getting the most out of an email thread requires teamwork. Small tips like keeping email threads shorter and to the point help finish projects fast.