My current approach to email

As a professor, and working at two universities, I get a lot of emails.

I’ve gone through many iterations of methods to keep my inbox under control. They all are inspired by inbox zero, but the method to get to inbox zero can differ.

I have used folders and periodical cleaning out of folders in the past.

Right now, however, I have a simpler method.

• I try to get to inbox zero every day, often by putting a bit of time in at night. In that way, anything that is scheduling or needs a quick reply gets handled.
• If I fail to catch up consistently during the week, I will put in a few hours on the weekend to clean things out.
• I got through all emails by sorting them by subject, so I respond to things on the same topic together.
• Anything that needs a bit more time goes on my calendar.
• Emails are stored in folders on my computer and deleted from outlook.

With this relatively simple approach, I have been able to keep my mailbox kind of under control.

What do you use to keep up with emails?