Has anyone ever gone on PTO and just deleted all their emails when they returned? I worked for an executive who would do that, and I've always appreciated the baller move. She always said if it was important enough, then people would get back to her.

That being said, I think that I'm aware enough to realize it's a lot different for an executive to do it. I'm so tempted, but I'm also scared that I will miss a request that I have to deal with. It's not my exec's job to follow up with me.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

That is a bold move 😄 and your instinct is right, it hits very differently depending on your role.

For an executive, deleting everything can work because
They have people filtering and escalating priorities
Most requests are driven by others who will follow up
Their role is more about decisions than task execution

In most non executive roles, especially ones that are task or support based, it’s riskier because
You are often the one responsible for completing or tracking the work
Some requests only get sent once and won’t be chased
Missing something can directly impact others or deadlines

That said, you can absolutely take the spirit of that approach without the risk.

A smarter version looks like this
Before PTO, set a clear out of office message with a backup contact for urgent needs
When you return, do a quick scan of your inbox by priority or sender instead of reading everything line by line
Focus first on your boss, leadership, and anything marked urgent or time sensitive
For the rest, it’s okay to be selective and not dig into every single email

You can even use a light version of that executive mindset by saying
“If this is still needed, please let me know” when responding to older emails

If you really want to be bold but safe, try this middle ground
Move everything older than your return date into a folder
Then only pull things back if someone follows up or if you identify something important during a quick scan

That way you’re not overwhelmed, but you’re also not risking dropping something critical.

Honestly, the goal isn’t to prove you can delete everything, it’s to protect your time and energy without creating stress later. And there’s a way to do that without going full nuclear 😄

likehelpful

For what it's worth, an email is sent out prior to my PTO reminding the key players, and an out of office note is set with my backup and all that jazz. People tend to ignore it. It gets a bit difficult when people initially copy me on the emails to my backup on request. But then my backup takes me off of it not to clog my inbox to be nice. So I still don't know if things are done or not, and it would be a lot to follow up on. For what it's worth, I deleted 90% of the emails without reading them. And people did follow up with things that weren't done by my backup. I'm not quite at the point where I'm going to delete everything without looking, but I'm getting close. Luckily, I am well loved by my executives. 😂

like

I usually filter my inbox at the airport on the way home. That way all that's left are emails that need to be addressed.
But yes, I have heard of that as well.

like

I do the same and usually almost everything, if not all of it is just straight to trash. I'm often just copied for visibility on my execs meeting requests while I'm gone and there's a lot to go through. It often takes hours to go through it all when I get back.

like

As an executive, you are supposed to occasionally check your emails and voicemails.
Do they at least use their Out of Office Message for their emails and voicemails?

smart

I do wish I was this kind of a person. Because I definitely understand what she was saying. If it’s important people will circle back. But I don’t think I could just delete all my emails like that. Maybe if I get further along in my career.

LOL, I so understand the temptation! But no, that would definitely come back to bite you if you actually did it.

Execs get to make their own rules, but I've yet to meet one that didn't have a separate standard for anyone on a lower (and sometimes even a lateral) tier.

Clinical Administrative Assistant 1 gave some fantastic advice though. If you catch any flack for trying that scaled back version, you can honestly say that were inspired by your exec's statements and you were trying to model that kind of efficiency. I think you could try that without too much risk.

Related Posts

When will the salary be credited in Optum.

like

Anyone still wear cummerbunds with their tux? Too old fashioned

like

How's the work life balance in a tata company like ?

like

Is Hell's Kitchen a bad area to live? If so why

like

How are the pipelines flowing? Any signs of slowdown?

like
like

What book would you recommend? For a SCM professional :)

like

Cross post—- 🐠 need your help. Has anyone deployed Oracle iProcure or P2P can you share your experiences and what functionality the platform is missing compared to Ariba and Coupa. Thx so much

Let's end the debate.. one page or two page resume?
Have 10 yrs of experience with Master's in US.

What’s everyone doing this weekend 🧐🥳👙

like

Cleared the technical round.I have received an email to submit the docs. But none were called me regarding the salary discussion. Usually how many days it will take to get the feedback

So it’s now inarguable that Trump tied Ukraine aid to a public investigation of the Bidens. Republicans, is your position that this just isn’t an impeachable offense?

like

Need like for completing profile. Thanks.

like

How to track my BGV in Natwest. I have submitted all the documents. How to check my current status? I received link from First Advantage. I have submitted documents.

like

I personally feel Virtusa is going through some positive changes after BPEA acquired it.

like

Any one know about Emirates NBD client in Virtusa . How is WLB & JOB security.

like

How is the citi project in virtusa?

My tech stack: Java, spring boot, microservices, react

Is there any framework used ?

Please suggest

Thanks

like

Hi fishes,
Anyone from Fujitsu please comment or dm i need some help

Additional Posts in Administrative Assistants

I am looking for a new role where I can work remotely globally. I’m currently a “ministry assistant” which is essentially an executive assistant/admin/customer service rep all in one. I’d love to expand my skills and work outside my current work world (I currently work in a church). Does anyone have any leads?

like

I’m being promoted from administrative assistant I to II. I currently make $25/hr and they haven’t given me a number yet. Not sure what I should ask for ?

Admins. Midwest region. Tax, audit or overall office admin. Salary range? Highest comp percentage increase you’ve seen in your role? I’ve been in my position 15 years & go above & beyond for anyone in our office. But my salary doesn’t reflect my knowledge, experience or work ethic IMO.

like

Sr Business Support Admin needed for our firm in Denver. Good WLB / hybrid work offered. DM me for a possible referral 👍

helpful

Salary check . Please add so we can compare . Amount , City would be helpful

likehelpful

I am doing a shoe focus grouo is there any women who love wearing pointed toe shoes
Flat, mules or boots?

like

Anyone with insight on Tyson Mendes?

like

I am in the process of finding administrative assistant interns from our local universities. In an effort to make my job opportunity appealing, I am asking everyone in this bowl about an appropriate job title. Is "Administrative Assistant" outdated or unappealing? I certainly don't want to mislead anyone on the job responsibilities, but I do want to avoid any potential negative stereotypes attached to that job title. Are there alternative titles that you find more appropriate for 2022?

uplifting

Happy Wednesday everyone. I'm so excited, I have a recruiter call scheduled with @Meta for Administrative Partner position. I've been in my current employer role for 19 years and I'm nervous as heck. I haven't had to do an interview in so long. Can someone please tell me what to expect with the recruiter call? I'm assuming it will be mostly about the role, my skills and background? Do they ask salary expectations? I have no idea what to say for the salary question. Feedback appreciated. Thanks

likeuplifting

Anyone ever heard of HRU? I need some reviews on this company

like

Any ideas for an end of year team building event? Other than a pizza party?

like
like

PART TIME JOB!!!!!!

We are seeking a talented Rental Agent to join our thriving team! The ideal candidate for this position will enjoy fast-paced work, show creativity and have a high degree of professionalism when working with our residents. The Rental Agent is responsible for creating and maintaining successful relationships with landlords and closing rental inquiries efficiently.
TASK:
-You will contacting possible tenants, sending notices and ensure proper booking of rental property.

4

like

Can anyone here give a referral?

like

Just checking in… How was your review? Did you get a raise, bonus, both or neither? How are you feeling about your job going into 2023?

like

Anyone have any suggestions on how to discuss not spending my own money on office expenses? We don't have corporate cards, yet I'm expected to purchase snacks on a constant basis for meetings.

helpfullike

Looking for another remote position

Anyone know any companies hiring for remote only admins?

like

What should be a based salary for an office coordinator in financial services?

like

Hello. What's is type of shoes do you wear to work
Flats, heels or sneakers?

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal