Reliability depends on understandable commitments and a dependable response route. Constant availability can create expectations that become difficult to maintain.
Explain when ordinary requests are reviewed, how agreed urgent matters should be raised and when a person should expect a meaningful update. Set terms that fit your actual capacity and the nature of the work.
Make exceptions explicit
For a fictional project, a scheduled review can serve routine questions while an agreed escalation route handles a decision blocking today's work. Responding to every message immediately may interrupt the task needed to meet the larger commitment.
Tell people when your availability changes. Arrange an appropriate handover if others rely on a time-sensitive responsibility. A private decision to disconnect does not replace an agreed transfer.
Review whether your response pattern matches the promise. If requests routinely exceed the arrangement, discuss scope, staffing or service expectations. Reliability becomes more sustainable when people know how to reach a useful decision, rather than depending on your willingness to remain continuously interruptible.