Email and text messaging are essential tools in business communication, used daily by employees for their efficiency and convenience. However, their casual nature often leads to overlooked risks, particularly in a business setting. Mistakes in business email or texting can result in severe consequences, including legal troubles and job termination. It's common for attorneys to subpoena email records during litigation, making one bad choice potentially devastating.Emails are nearly impossible to erase permanently. Even if deleted from a hard drive, forensic experts can recover them, and organizations often back up all electronic communications. Emails leave an electronic trail, making recovery possible even if hard drives are destroyed. Additionally, emails are stored on recipients' servers and can spread further if forwarded.The Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986 states that any email or text sent through an organization’s servers or devices is the property of that organization, eliminating employee privacy expectations. Emails and texts, even sent after hours, can be used in legal proceedings.Certain content should never be sent via email or text, including defamatory statements, offensive messages, confidential information, and unauthorized agreements. Employees should understand and adhere to their employer's emailing and texting policies to avoid costly liabilities. Always consider if the message is appropriate and professional before sending.