Contributed by Stefano Maifreni, founder and director of Eggcelerate.

We’ve all been there—working outside hours, trying to get ahead or catch up. But sending emails to staff during their downtime can backfire badly. And here’s why …

In 2019, the average office worker received 90 emails per day. But it’s the occasional messages sent by bosses to their team members late at night or at weekends that can have negative consequences—particularly on your culture.

It happens all too easily. We’re trying to clear a backlog of work or prepare for the week ahead, getting ready for meetings, bids or projects. Sending an email to team members may be the last job left to round things off before we finally head to bed.

But don’t do it.