How Often Should You Check for New Email?

The first royal e-mail was sent by Queen Elizabeth II in 1976

E-mails arrive at all hours of the day

The nature of e-mail is such that you receive new ones at all hours of the day. And if you are waiting for something time sensitive, personally or for work, getting that e-mail quickly is important.

E-mail is distracting

Checking your e-mail often throughout the day can disrupt the flow of work or personal activities. Frequent e-mail checking my also cut down on your time management abilities, especially at work.

Bottom Line

Everyone will need to find their own balance for checking their e-mail and getting things done. Michael Sampson, a Collaboration Strategist who works in the US, Europe, Australia and other locales states, "You should check email as often as you need to in order to get the work of your day done." If this means that checking once a day or once and hour is fine as long as it works for you.

References

• Queen's Birthday Fact Revealed
• Michael Sampson Blog: How often should I check e-mail each day?