Hey Hanging

Example:

Imagine this: You open your work inbox to see a new message with just one word: "Hey." Intrigued yet unsure, you click on it, only to find... nothing else. No context, no question, no follow-up. This is the phenomenon of "Hey-Hanging."

Sarah, a busy project manager, constantly faced the frustration of "Hey-Hanging" Slack messages. These vague messages would pop up throughout the day, leaving her wondering what the sender wanted and interrupting her workflow. The lack of context caused her anxiety, as she felt pressured to respond quickly without knowing the purpose of the message.

This seemingly minor issue can have a significant impact on workplace stress. Recipients of "Hey-Hanging" messages are left guessing what's expected of them, leading to wasted time, frustration, and decreased productivity.

So, how can we avoid the "Hey-Hanging" pitfall? Simple: Communicate clearly! When initiating contact, add a brief sentence or two explaining your purpose. For example, "Hey Sarah, I have a question about the Jones project deadline. Do you have a minute to chat?" This small change makes a big difference, fostering clearer communication and a less stressful work environment.