COMMENTARY: Don’t Let Emails Control Your Day or Your Life

October 7, 2025

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By Garfield Joseph, MBA

In today’s fast-paced work environment, email remains a vital communication tool. Yet, the sheer volume of messages flooding our inboxes daily can lead to information overload, wasted time, and diminished productivity. Many professionals find themselves spending hours reading and responding to emails, only to realize they’ve made little progress toward their actual goals.

This article offers practical strategies for using email more efficiently—whether you’re sending or receiving messages—and explores how simple Microsoft Outlook settings can help filter out low-priority and junk emails.

The Problem: Email Overload in the Workplace

The average office worker receives dozens, sometimes hundreds, of emails per day. Not all are relevant. Some are promotional, others are copied unnecessarily, and many lack clarity or purpose. The result? Time lost, focus scattered, and goals delayed.

To address this, we must rethink how we use email—starting with how we send them and how we manage what we receive.

Part I: How to Send Emails More Efficiently

Efficient email communication begins with the sender. A well-crafted email saves time for everyone involved.

Step-by-Step Guide for Senders

Define the Purpose Clearly – Before writing, ask: What is the goal of this email? Use a clear subject line that reflects the content.
Keep It Concise – Stick to one topic per email. Use bullet points or numbered lists for clarity.
Use the ‘To,’ ‘CC,’ and ‘BCC’ Fields Wisely – ‘To’ is for direct recipients who must act. ‘CC’ is for those who need to be informed but not act. ‘BCC’ is for discreet sharing or large distributions.
Avoid Email Chains for Complex Discussions – If the topic requires back-and-forth, consider a meeting or call instead.
Set Expectations – Include deadlines or next steps (e.g., ‘Please respond by Friday’).
Proofread Before Sending – Typos and unclear language waste time and create confusion.

Part II: How to Read and Manage Emails Efficiently

As a recipient, your goal is to process emails quickly and prioritize what matters.

Step-by-Step Guide for Receivers

Schedule Email Time – Avoid checking emails constantly. Set 2–3 blocks per day to read and respond.
Scan Subject Lines First – Delete or archive irrelevant messages immediately.
Use the ‘Two-Minute Rule’ – If a response takes less than two minutes, do it now. Otherwise, flag it for later.
Unsubscribe from Unnecessary Lists – Reduce clutter by opting out of newsletters or updates you no longer read.
Create Folders and Rules – Organize emails by project, sender, or urgency.

Part III: Using Microsoft Outlook to Filter and Prioritize

Microsoft Outlook offers built-in tools to help manage email overload. Here’s how to use them effectively.

Use Focused Inbox

Separates important emails from less relevant ones.
How to enable: Go to Settings > Mail > Layout > Focused Inbox and turn it on.

Set Up Rules to Organize Emails

Automatically moves emails to folders based on sender, subject, or keywords.
How to set up: Go to Home > Rules > Manage Rules & Alerts. Click New Rule, then choose conditions and actions.

Use Categories and Flags

Helps prioritize and track tasks.
How to use: Right-click an email > Categorize or Follow Up. Assign colors or flags to indicate urgency or deadlines.

Block Junk and Spam

Prevents unwanted emails from reaching your inbox.
How to enable: Go to Home > Junk > Junk Email Options. Choose your preferred level of protection.

Use Quick Steps

Automates repetitive actions (e.g., move to folder, reply, forward).
How to set up: Go to Home > Quick Steps > Create New. Define the action and assign a name.

Conclusion: Email Should Serve You, Not Distract You

Email is a powerful tool—but only when used intentionally. By adopting better habits as senders and receivers, and leveraging Outlook’s built-in features, professionals can reclaim their time, reduce stress, and stay focused on what truly matters.

Let’s stop letting email control our day. Instead, let’s master it—one message at a time.