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AIBU?

Is it bad to wait this long sending work emails?

30 replies

ohgodimanidiot · 07/05/2016 23:35

Im starting a new job in August and they have kindly arranged a catch-up lunch to introduce me to people.

I am just looking through the email trail and I have just realised to my horror that I have taken about 5-7 days to replace to each stage of the email process e.g. does this day work for you, do you have any food preferences?

This is really not the done thing in the workplace is it!!!!!

Is this poor conduct?

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ThenLaterWhenItGotDark · 07/05/2016 23:40

It's not the end of the world, but it doesn't make you look very enthusiastic, does it?
Why did you wait so long? Is it just one or several?

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Lasaraleen · 07/05/2016 23:41

Erm, I'll be honest, I wouldn't be very impressed. One email, ok, but several would probably be annoying. Still, you don't work for them yet, plenty of time to redeem yourself before August!

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TheNIghtManagersWife · 07/05/2016 23:43

Can you sync your emails to your phone so you can reply straight away? I would be pretty annoyed with a new starter being very slow tbh. You can redeem yourself if you suddenly sort yourself out and become uber efficient from now on.

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FeckinCrutches · 07/05/2016 23:43

Why did it take so long to reply? They were probably trying to get dates in the diary and waiting for you to reply. I wouldn't be impressed especially if it was more than once.

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ohgodimanidiot · 07/05/2016 23:53

Ok so Ive just chcked and it was 4 days and then 7 days.

For two emails.

I was actually abroad when the second was received so wasn't checking my emails very often.

Does that redeem it slightly?

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FeckinCrutches · 07/05/2016 23:55

Did you apologise when you replied to say you'd been away?

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ohgodimanidiot · 07/05/2016 23:57

I didn't, no.

I feel sick!

Must give a very bad impression.

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FeckinCrutches · 07/05/2016 23:58

How long is it since the last email?

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ohgodimanidiot · 07/05/2016 23:59

It was sent this morning, I have replied now.

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ohgodimanidiot · 08/05/2016 00:00

Oh shit, I really feel sick.

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ohgodimanidiot · 08/05/2016 00:02

Should I send a quick apology?

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FeckinCrutches · 08/05/2016 00:03

I would,but not if there is lots of people cc'd in, send it to the original person

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ThenLaterWhenItGotDark · 08/05/2016 06:59

Make sure you don't look as though you are making excuses though..like it or not, (and believe me I don't! ) being abroad, as well asalmost anything else you could mention no longer works as a valid reason not to check your emails. (I hate that we are expected to be available 24/7 but it's a sad fact of modern life) I would just apologise firmly 'I've just noticed it took me X days to get back to you and would like to apologise for that.'

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Coconutty · 08/05/2016 07:03

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

topcat2014 · 08/05/2016 07:11

Don't apologise - that starts the trend of 'always apologising', that then, in the recipients eyes turns in to 'always in the wrong'.

August is months away - it will all be forgotten before you start.

Instead, at an appropriate time, find a suitable subject to send an email TO them, with the purpose of catching up - maybe after seeing an item in the news about the job / clients / whatever.

That will boost your 'keenness' points.

Don't over think stuff - I am sure they are not.

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HildurOdegard · 08/05/2016 07:14

Christ stop worrying about it - it's the best part of 3 months away and you've been away. You can say AT the lunch by way of conversation that you've been abroad doing x y and z.

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Skittlesss · 08/05/2016 07:17

Don't apologise. They may not have even realised how long you have taken. At work I communicate via email and don't check how long people take to reply unless it's urgent xx

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daisychain01 · 08/05/2016 07:23

Travelling abroad is a valid excuse provided you clearly say upfront before going away that you are due to be on a trip abroad and apologies in advance if you don't respond to emails as quickly as you would like.

I wouldn't beat yourself up about it ohgod, something to watch out for when you start work.

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midsummabreak · 08/05/2016 07:27

You are allowed to have a life when not at work, it's OK
you have allowed plenty of time for them to prepare their introductions, etc
and Im sure you will email promptly in future

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1frenchfoodie · 08/05/2016 07:32

I doubt they are analysing the time taken to reply, I'd assume you were away without access or just not checking daily. I think apologising to the orginal sender could make you look a bit neurotic. If the catch up day is very soon and they'd have been waiting for a swift reply that is slightly different and may be worth a quick mail to sender only explaining delay and expressing hope the suggested day still works.

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HeffalumpHistory · 08/05/2016 07:34

Don't apologise, they might not have noticed but you flagging it up may not go in your favour.

I'd just make note to check emails more regularly & reply asap. Agree with pp, make sure their synced to your phone.

Good luck in your new job! (For Aug)

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Mistigri · 08/05/2016 07:46

I would just have mentioned, very briefly, the reason for the delay when replying to the email. It's not a big deal. You don't start until August so there is presumably no particular urgency to any of this. And until August they have no call on your time.

Anyway, I think you're overreacting and this is a non issue, but next time you go away, you could consider setting up an automatic reply with your date of return.

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Optimist1 · 08/05/2016 08:08

Be sure to send an email thanking them for the catchup lunch on the same day !

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Gizlotsmum · 08/05/2016 08:12

Oh I don't reply to work emails sometimes for longer than that. Never had a negative comment about it..I wouldn't worry.

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ThenLaterWhenItGotDark · 08/05/2016 08:33

I think there is a difference once you are working somewhere and are an established colleague tbh.

And really, "no access" can't possibly be given anywhere anymore. Not in the days of wifi/smartphones. Nobody will believe you. Better not to say anything IMO. Again, once you are in situ, it's fine to say "Oi, I'm on leave next week, so don't even think about contacting me, I won't be checking my email" but I wouldn't use it as a reason to not have replied before starting. I'd certainly raise an eyebrow, more so than the lateness in replying itself.

They won't say anything though- honestly. They might privately think that they hope you aren't going to be flakey, but you're going to show them you're not! Flowers

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