Spam filters can sometimes misclassify legitimate emails, so regularly reviewing your junk folder and adjusting settings is a simple way to avoid missing important enquiries, invoices or client messages.
Why This Matters
Email filtering has become more aggressive in recent years as providers try to block phishing, spam and malicious attachments.
While this improves security, it also increases the chances of genuine emails being incorrectly flagged as junk.
This can include:
– New customer enquiries
– Supplier invoices
– Automated system alerts
– Replies from new contacts
If these emails are missed, it can lead to delayed responses, missed opportunities or unnecessary disruption to business operations.
How To Adjust Junk Email Settings In Microsoft Outlook (Microsoft 365)
– Open Outlook (desktop app or web).
– Go to the Junk Email folder.
– Review recent messages.
– Right-click any legitimate email.
– Select Not junk.
To prevent this happening again:
– Add the sender to your Safe senders list.
– Or add the domain (e.g. @companyname.co.uk) to trusted senders.
How To Adjust Spam Settings In Gmail (Google Workspace)
– Open Gmail.
– Click the Spam folder in the left-hand menu.
– Review recent messages.
– Open any legitimate email.
– Click Report not spam.
You can also:
– Add the sender to your Contacts.
– Create a filter to always allow emails from specific addresses or domains.
What To Watch For
If legitimate emails are regularly going to spam, check:
– Whether the sender is new or unknown.
– If their domain has poor email reputation.
– Whether your organisation has strict filtering policies enabled.
In some cases, your IT provider may need to review mail filtering settings.
A Practical Approach
A quick check and small adjustment can prevent important emails being missed.
Spending a minute reviewing your spam settings each week helps ensure genuine messages reach your inbox and reduces the risk of missed opportunities or delayed responses.
