If you work in human resources, you are dealing with email, often a lot of it. Like everyone else in business, you are probably trying to figure out how to get control over it.

In fact, email has become such a big issue at some places that they have threatened to ban it entirely. But experts in this area caution against taking such extreme measures, because it remains an important tool. It is becoming harder and harder to reach people any other way these days. To get a handle on it, experts say what you need to do is look at the causes of your email problem, and then follow some guidelines for getting control of it.

The experts say that email overload is actually the result of other shortcomings. For example, if a company does not have a clear decision-making process, and people are left with questions about business operations, they will resort to email to get their questions answered. As more email floods the system, a feedback loop begins as recipients get bogged down trying to reply to all the missives.

If meetings are effective at giving people what they need to know, they won’t have to resort to email to get information they need. Email used effectively reduces the need for meetings, and meetings used effectively reduce the need for email, according to business consultant David Allen.

You can also get a handle on email by reducing the inflow of messages. Don’t sign up for e-newsletters. Turn off notices from Twitter and Facebook. Tell colleagues not to copy you on every action item. Don’t send emails with messages such as “Thanks.”

Empty your inbox as soon as possible. Then, as new messages come in, delete those you don’t need to read or keep immediately. If you can respond to a message right away, do it. Then file the others in folders. Then choose a limited number of times during the day when you look at your email.

The experts also say it’s impractical to come up with sweeping company-wide rules on email use because everyone uses email differently. Try, they say, instead to come up with some email guidelines that apply to smaller groups or departments.

When you’re flooded with requests to fill positions at your New York City company, shoot an e-mail to one of the recruiters at Winston Resources. We can help you find great workers for your temporary and direct-hire needs. We look forward to hearing from you!