What is End of Day?

End of day (EOD) is a common term used within businesses around the world. It’s typically used in reference to a specific deadline: completing a task by the end of the day (5:00 p.m. for most standard offices). If you’re working on a team across multiple time zones, EOD often refers to 5:00 p.m. in your specific location.

Why is Understanding End of Day Important?

The abbreviation EOD is often used by managers when asking for tasks to be completed or by other members of a team when they need materials delivered within a strict time frame. If you don’t understand exactly what EOD refers to, you’ll likely miss a deadline and then have to deal with the repercussions.

Abbreviations are commonly used for fast communication, but miscommunication and confusion will occur if you don’t understand what’s being said. Therefore, it’s important to understand what EOD refers to so you can complete tasks in a timely manner.

Some companies also have varying core business hours, so if you’re unsure of precisely when EOD refers to, ask. Most companies close at 5:00 p.m., but some range between 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.; it’s better to confirm than assume.

How to Set Clear Deadlines

If you’re using EOD or any other abbreviation to set a firm deadline, ensure whoever you’re talking to understands what you’re asking. For example, you can write out specific dates, times, and time zones to ensure clear communication and expectations.

Instead of saying, “Please have this task done by EOD,” you can expressly say, “Please have this task done by EOD (5:00 p.m. EST).”

Clear communication is always important and appreciated and leads to less confusion.

What is COB Meaning vs. End of Day

EOD and close of business (COB) are two different abbreviations that are often used interchangeably. While they both refer to a specific deadline, they do have slightly different meanings.

As mentioned above, EOD is used to denote that a task should be completed by the end of the business day (typically 5:00 p.m.) in whatever time zone you’re working in.

COB, however, refers specifically to both the end of a business day and the time in which the New York City financial markets close–5:00 p.m. EST. Because of the geographical location implied, COB is often used by American companies.

What is a Business Day?

A “business day” refers to the formal dates and times that corporate businesses are open.

Most B2B companies are open and operating on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (work days). Saturday and Sundays (weekends) are typically closed.

During a work day, most companies operate from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but some have hours that vary between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. If you’re working on a deadline for a client or third party, always confirm their EOD time.

Public holidays are not counted as business days. These vary between countries and states, regions, provinces, and territories.