Dear Editor,

I prefer communicating by email. It saves

time

, helps me organise my work, provides a clear written record and is less intrusive than calling or texting someone.

But I find it extremely rude when people flood your inbox throughout the year with requests that serve their interests, yet fail to respond when you initiate an email that could benefit you.

Over the past few weeks, I sent more than two dozen emails to business professionals. Only three responded. These are not unfamiliar contacts or addresses I found somewhere online. These people regularly email me when they need something.

Some of these same professionals are on Facebook, Instagram and in traditional media waxing poetic about professionalism and customer service. Yet when presented with an opportunity to practise the courtesy they publicly promote, they fall silent.

Email etiquette is severely lacking in Antigua and Barbuda, and this behaviour is downright disrespectful.

When someone emails me, I respond immediately if I can. Sometimes I need more time, but I make a point of replying within a reasonable period. I do not believe that courtesy should depend on whether the exchange benefits me.

No one expects every request to receive a favourable answer. If you cannot assist, say so. If you are not interested, say so. If you need time to consider the matter, acknowledge the email and explain that. A brief, appropriate response allows the sender to move forward.

What I find particularly distasteful is the silence, followed by excuses when the person is challenged about failing to respond. People should not have to chase a basic acknowledgement from professionals who readily seek their attention when they need a favour.

Ignoring a business email is much like answering a business phone and then saying nothing to the caller. The person reaching out is left waiting, unsure whether the message has been received or whether any response will come.

Email has been part of business communication for decades. We have come too far for basic courtesy to remain such a struggle.

I am calling on business professionals in Antigua and Barbuda to end this practice immediately. Responding does not mean agreeing, committing or granting a request. It means respecting the person who took the time to contact you.

Professionalism must extend beyond what we post online. It must also be reflected in how we treat people—especially when they need something from us.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: LETTER: They flood your inbox, then ignore your emails.