A message received at an odd hour can have an unexpected effect. Communication at an inopportune time may not achieve its intended purpose. Consider this: if we receive a message that requires some work during our working hours, we’ll see it as part of our job duties, even if we’re not particularly enthusiastic about it. But if we receive it outside of work hours, the situation changes completely, and our reaction will be very different.

This situation may seem exaggerated, but it’s not. For good reason, there are communication experts who have a deep understanding of psychology and know how to apply the best strategies for achieving effective communication. Logically, deciding what information to send is crucial. Choosing the right channel is also important. But selecting the right time is no less important.

Basically, there are two important points we should consider before sending a message: our own work hours and those of the person who will receive the message. This is a matter of respecting our own work-life balance, but also of showing consideration for the other person. When we send a message, we are essentially asking the recipient to dedicate their time to us.

In reality, we should only send and respond to messages during our working hours. It’s a matter of professional image, and therefore reflects on the company you work for. Not everyone understands this, but instead of appearing as a dedicated and professional employee, responding to messages outside of work hours can give the impression of being disorganized, discourteous, or inefficient.

It’s also true that depending on the communication channel we use, we can be more or less flexible about the time we send the message. If we send an email, for example, since it’s a relatively informal form of communication, we don’t expect an immediate reply. We can technically send it at any time, but it’s generally best to do so during normal business hours. Again, this is a matter of maintaining a professional image, which we shouldn’t neglect.

If it’s an instant message, the situation is different. In this particular case, it’s very important not only to send it during your own working hours, but also to be mindful of the recipient’s schedule. For example, if you work in the afternoon or evening, you shouldn’t send an instant message (WhatsApp, SMS, Telegram, etc.) if you know the recipient works during the morning shift. The same applies in the opposite situation. We all deserve some rest.

Doing things right in terms of communication doesn’t cost much, and it also shows that we are organized, attentive, and efficient people.