What's the Best Day to Send an Email?

From Fortune Magazine:

According to a new study, that day is Sunday. Why? Research shows it’s by far the slowest day for internet email traffic. In fact, only 3% of all emails are sent on Sundays. That’s a tiny amount compared to the 24% of emails sent on the busiest day of the week: Tuesdays. Of course, there’s a good reason why fewer emails get sent on Sunday. Because fewer people bother reading email that day. Think about it: Most people would rather spend their ‘day of rest’ at home or in church, cooking barbeque, solving crosswords or watching football. The last thing they think about is going online and checking email.

When people DO check their email on Sunday, studies show they’re more likely to read the entire message. They’re also more likely to devote their full attention to writing a meaningful response – rather than a quick one or two line reply. That’s why many small businesses are now using Sundays to fire off quick brainstorming emails or memos to their employees – because that’s when they get the best responses and freshest ideas! Now, nobody’s saying this is a good thing. In fact, psychotherapists recommend making your weekend a “no-work zone” – where you devote all your time to relaxing with friends and family. That gives your brain a chance to refocus before another grueling workweek. However, a recent Career Builder survey found that 20% of workers routinely stay in touch with the office while at home for the weekend – via cell phone, Blackberry, email or voice mail. Most say it’s a “necessary evil”. They believe that staying in touch helps them stay ahead of the competition, and gives them the tools they need to take their career to the next level.

So, if you must send emails on Sunday, treat it like any other day of the week. In other words: Set aside a specific time of the day to do it. Then focus the rest of your day on family activities, or spending time with your spouse. After all, if everyone started emailing on Sundays, you know what’ll happen: Fortune would do a new study – declaring the best day to do email work is Saturday!