We recognize that true async work takes intention and structure. While we’re not fully there yet, we need to be mindful of how we build and iterate our workflows to ensure better balance. Without a deliberate approach - documenting processes, setting clear expectations, and providing guidance - async work will remain difficult. This document serves as our starting point for making async the norm.

A brief history of Asynchronous work:

In the past, most work happened in offices, with people sitting near each other, working the same hours. Communication was mostly synchronous: in-person meetings in a physical meeting room, phone calls, quick chats at someone’s desk.

But then the world changed.

The Rise of Remote Work

Even before the pandemic, some teams were going remote. But in 2020, COVID-19 made remote work the norm overnight. Suddenly, we couldn’t rely on face-to-face conversations or packed meeting calendars. We had to find new ways to stay connected.

Global Teams Became the Norm

Companies started hiring across time zones. This brought huge benefits, less commutes, talent from all over the world, better around the clock support for customers, but also challenges. Scheduling real-time meetings became harder. People needed a way to work together without being online at the same time.

The Tools Caught Up

As technology improved, we got better tools for async communication: Slack, Notion, Google Meets, Jira, and more. These platforms made it easy to write, record, and share ideas without needing a live conversation.

A Shift in Mindset

As teams grew more global and flexible, priorities changed. People wanted fewer meetings, more focused time, and the freedom to work when it suits them best. Async communication became not just a workaround but a better way to work.

So what’s the difference?

Synchronous Communication

Synch for short, is like a phone call. Both people must be present, listening and responding in real time. It’s immediate and collaborative but also time-sensitive.

Asynchronous Communication

Async for short, it’s like sending a postcard. You take your time to write it thoughtfully, send it off, and then go about your day. The recipient reads it later, reflects, and replies when they’re ready. It’s communication with breathing room.