Saying “please check your email” at work
Why it can fall flat
“please check your email”
Someone who gets “please check your email” may feel scolded, as if they should have looked already. You likely want them to read something specific and act on it, so name it and say what you need.
Say this instead
- 01
Hi Reese, I've just emailed you the draft agenda. Could you look it over and tell me if the timings work for you?
Coworker · Chat
Naming the document and the feedback you want makes this a good fit when you need a specific answer from a coworker.
- 02
I've sent you an email with the budget figures. When you have a moment, could you approve them or flag anything that needs changing?
Boss · Email
Use this with a boss when you need a decision, since it respects their time and states the action you need.
- 03
I've emailed you the revised quote, which includes the changes we discussed. Please let me know if anything looks different from what you expected.
Client · Email
Clients waiting on a document will appreciate that this says what is inside and invites questions.
- 04
I've sent you an email with the details for next week's handover. Can you read it before our Monday catch-up so we can go through any questions?
Someone you manage · Chat
Managing the person lets you set a clear point by which to read it, and the tone stays friendly rather than bossy.
- 05
The documents you asked for are attached to my previous email. Could you confirm you've received them?
Recruiter / HR · Email
Try this as a polite follow-up when you are not sure your earlier message got through.
- 06
Hi Tanya, we've sent your booking confirmation by email. If you can't see it in your inbox, try your spam folder.
Customer · SMS
Customers can easily miss an automated message, so a practical next step like checking spam helps here.
- 07
Hi Tobias, I've emailed the venue details. Can you read them before 3 pm? I need your answer on parking.
Coworker · SMS
Time-sensitive requests suit this one, especially when the person may be away from their computer.
- 08
Quick heads-up: I emailed you the updated timeline this morning. Let me know if you'd like me to walk you through it.
Boss · Chat
Offering a walkthrough makes this a light nudge that avoids implying your boss missed something.
Examples
Hi Molly, I emailed you the updated project timeline yesterday afternoon. Could you read it before Thursday's meeting and let me know if the new review date works for you? I'd like to confirm it with the team by the end of the day on Thursday. Thanks, Jason
Hi Molly, I've just sent the updated timeline to your inbox. Could you take a look before 2 pm and tell me if the review date works?
What to avoid
- Sending the bare line with no context leaves the reader guessing why it matters.
- Phrases like “as I already said” or “as per my last email” sound like blame.
- Capital letters or several exclamation marks to stress urgency tend to come across as shouting.
- Chasing in chat several times within minutes feels pushy, so give a clear time by which you need a reply.
- Leaving out what you need from them, such as a decision, a confirmation or feedback, makes the message easy to ignore.