When employees work at the same time, or synchronously, creativity tends to flourish. Individuals can react to one another and provide immediate feedback, often spurring new ideas and innovation. This collaborative environment is desirable to many organizations but may not always be possible, particularly when team members work in different time zones. Employers with remote teams spread across the globe may have to accept asynchronous work as the norm for their business. It need not be a detriment, though, as long as the proper processes and technology are in place to keep employees engaged and productive.
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What is asynchronous work?
Asynchronous work means that employees collaborate without real-time communication. For example, one employee may work on a project during the day while another employee contributes to the same project overnight. This arrangement is typical when businesses employ multiple people in different time zones.
Asynchronous work vs. remote work: What’s the difference?
Asynchronous work may be remote, but not all remote work is asynchronous. Consider a business that has a team of remote employees on the same schedule, in the same time zone. Despite not having face-to-face contact, their work would be considered synchronous because they can still communicate with one another and receive an immediate response.
Benefits of asynchronous work
Employees with strong personalities can easily dominate synchronous work environments. Their more introverted colleagues may not feel comfortable speaking up, and potential good ideas may be lost.
Asynchronous work, in contrast, gives everyone an equal chance to contribute. Without the pressure of direct communication, employees have more time to formulate their thoughts and may be more willing to share constructive opinions.
Another advantage of asynchronous work is its inherent record keeping. All communications are transcribed, which makes it easier for employees to recall action items and stay productive. In-person meetings and phone calls, unless recorded, do not have the same effect.
What are the drawbacks of asynchronous work hours?
Asynchronous work tends to be slower than synchronous work. For instance, if an employee sends a request to a colleague who won’t be working for another 12 hours, the response and any subsequent resolution will obviously be delayed.
This slowness can sometimes work in an organization’s favor, though. Employees don’t feel rushed to reply to inquiries when they know the recipient won’t read them until later. They can prioritize their work better and may commit fewer errors as a result.
How does asynchronous communication work?
Asynchronous communication is not compatible with phones and video conference tools. It requires a variety of web-based applications to work effectively. Examples include the following:
- Task management apps
- Project management apps
- Shared documents
- Online whiteboards
- Team messaging apps
When to use asynchronous instead of synchronous communication
Team members who do not have direct contact with one another might rely on asynchronous communications for everything but urgent requests. When a pressing need arises, employees may be instructed to call their off-hour colleagues or send them a personal text message. Employers should set expectations so async workers understand the circumstances that warrant urgent requests. It’s also important to be aware of and comply with any laws prohibiting contact with employees when they are “off the clock.”
Tips for becoming a more asynchronous company
Employers exploring an async culture for the first time may find the following tips helpful:
- Define what work should and shouldn’t be asynchronous.
- Set expectations for employee response times.
- Decide the preferred communication channels and choose a tech stack that will support them.
- Perform an asynchronous audit, e.g., determine which meetings can be replaced with recorded presentations, etc.
- Train employees on how to use asynchronous communications and manage their priorities and time effectively.
Frequently asked questions about asynchronous working
When does synchronous work best?
Synchronous work is usually best for situations that require immediate attention and speedy resolution. If time is not a factor, async collaboration may be preferred because it gives all employees, not just the loudest voices in the room, a chance to contribute their ideas.
What is asynchronous remote work?
An asynchronous remote job is one where the employee works in a different place and time than the rest of the team. Shared documents, online whiteboards and other web-based applications help everyone involved maintain productivity despite the lack of direct contact.
What is an asynchronous task?
An asynchronous task is work assigned to an employee who is not expected to see or respond to the assignment until hours later. This workflow is common when employees work asynchronously in different time zones.
This article is intended to be used as a starting point in analyzing asynchronous environments and is not a comprehensive resource of requirements. It offers practical information concerning the subject matter and is provided with the understanding that ADP is not rendering legal or tax advice or other professional services.
