Improving communication in an async work environment

Picture this: You're a remote employee, thrilled to have landed your dream job at a cutting-edge tech company. You have the flexibility to work from anywhere, and the latest technology at your fingertips to communicate with your colleagues. 

However, as the days go by, you find yourself struggling to keep up with your team's workflow. Deadlines are being missed, emails are going unanswered, and you're feeling increasingly isolated and disconnected from your colleagues. 

Asynchronous working can be a double-edged sword, and without the right communication strategies, it can be challenging to adapt and do your best work. Personally, I have found asynchronous working to be one of the biggest challenges to adapt to, and I was relieved to find research that validated this experience. 

For example, a study published in the Journal of Business and Psychology found that asynchronous communication can lead to delays in decision-making and problem-solving, which can hinder team performance (Liu et al., 2015). Another study published in the International Journal of Human-Computer Studies found that asynchronous communication can lead to misinterpretation of messages, which can cause confusion and misunderstandings (Barkhuus & Tashiro, 2010).

Challenges of asynchronous working

One of the biggest (and most obvious) challenges of asynchronous working is that communication is often delayed, which can lead to misunderstandings, confusion, and missed deadlines. 

When our teams are working across different time zones or on different schedules, it can be difficult to coordinate and collaborate effectively.

Another challenge is that asynchronous work can lead to a lack of connection and cohesion among team members. When we’re working on our own schedules and in our own timezones and communicating primarily through technology, it can be difficult to build relationships and establish a shared sense of purpose and direction.

Asynchronous work can also lead to a sense of isolation and disconnection, as we may feel that we’re working in a vacuum without the support and guidance of colleagues or managers. 

Improving communication in an asynchronous work environment

To overcome the biggest challenges of working asynchronously, a good initial strategy could be to address communication issues first and foremost. In fact (but I’m biased) communication is the most important factor in building relationships and trust.  

Some strategies to help improve asynchronous communication for teams include:

• Using clear subject lines

When communicating asynchronously, it’s important to make sure that the purpose and context of each message is clear by using concise subject lines that indicate the purpose of the message.

For example, instead of using a generic subject line like "Question," it may be more effective to use a more specific subject line like "Question about Project Deadline." This will help the recipient to quickly understand the purpose of the message and prioritise their response accordingly, and is especially useful when setting up meetings. 

• Keeping messages brief

In asynchronous work environments, it’s important to be mindful of the fact that others may be receiving messages outside of their normal working hours or on their own schedules. To ensure that messages are read and responded to quickly, ikeep them as brief and to-the-point as possible, even using bullet points or numbered lists to break down complex ideas into smaller, more manageable pieces. 

This can help to make messages more readable and digestible, and can also help to ensure that the most important information is highlighted.

• Establishing (and keeping to) regular check-ins

To ensure that everyone is on the same page and that communication remains consistent and effective, it can be helpful to establish regular check-ins or status updates. This can be done through scheduled video calls, email updates, or even shared documents or project management software.

The key is to establish a regular cadence of communication that allows everyone to stay up-to-date on the latest developments, ask questions, and provide feedback as needed. 

By doing so, team members can build a sense of connection and shared purpose, even if they are not working at the same time or in the same place.

• Using the right tools

Finally, it is important to use the right communication tools to support an asynchronous work environment. This may include tools like email, instant messaging, video conferencing, project management software, or even shared calendars and scheduling tools.

The key is to choose tools that are intuitive and easy to use, and that allow team members to communicate effectively and efficiently, regardless of their location or schedule.

By using effective communication strategies, you can conquer the challenges that come with working remotely and ensure that your team stays connected and productive - whether they’re working from a coffee shop in Bali, a shared office space or their living room.