The way I apply this to emails is to ask myself: if someone only reads the first sentence would they know what I need and if they need to act on it immediately, read it at their leisure, or file it away?
And by an even higher percentage of overseas colleagues in some countries.
"Hello?"
"IT IS TIME."
*click*
I've been on too many Zooms where the presenter's Slack pops up saying, "John, we have a call with <company name> about <topic> at 3:00. Can you join?"
Multiple times, this information was probably sensitive. I'd rather avoid that by waiting until I get a response.
Perhaps a hello filter and "yes?" auto responder could help, at least during business hours. Then send an OOO message if after hours.
If they don't want to talk business then a friendly greeting is appropriate.
If someone says "how are you?" that doesn't work though.