DigiWorks

Things to Remember About Asynchronous Work

Feb 13, 2023 • 13 min read

Although remote work already has a broad set of benefits, asynchronous work makes it even more convenient for employees. Synchronous work allows team members to collaborate and communicate with each other and their management while working on projects together. That means every team member is required to work concurrently and quickly respond and update on every message. On the other hand, asynchronous work provides employees with the convenience of managing their own work schedule even while productively collaborating with their teams. Employees can work at their preferred time when they feel the most motivated and finish tasks independently with no interruptions. The DigiWorks team provided this article to help you learn about async work. You find out how it works, its challenges, its benefits, and other tips relevant to asynchronous work once you’ve finished reading this blog!

You’ll learn:

  • What is asynchronous work, and how does it help global remote teams work efficiently?
  • What is asynchronous communication?
  • What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous work?
  • What are the circumstances of async work?
  • How will asynchronous work benefit team members?
  • How to successfully enforce asynchronous work on your team?
  • Helpful tools that work best for asynchronous work

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What is asynchronous work, and how does it help global remote teams work efficiently?

One of the benefits of working remotely is that employees can manage their work schedules. However, some companies tend to set schedules or the usual 9-to 5 work hours, defeating the ultimate purpose of remote work. By allowing your remote teams to work asynchronously, they can work at convenient hours and let them finish their task on their own. Some employers might be confused with the word async since collaboration and communication are crucial factors in the remote work environment. Don’t worry! Async work doesn’t mean cutting communication or interaction among employees but finding alternative ways to work on a project without requiring them to be up at specific hours and stay online all the time. For instance, you can give your employees access to google docs and allow them to use its features when suggesting or viewing their coworkers’ progress. Mentioning their coworkers on the documents will automatically send a notification or an email in case they need to directly point out something to another employee. Switching to asynchronous work might be a bit challenging for those who got used to thorough communication in their workplace, but taking the first step will help you manage things easily. There are also other concerns, such as necessary meetings, the need for a quick reaction, and real time interaction. Just relax, and we will provide you with more information to help you embrace async work efficiently.

What is asynchronous communication?

Now that you’ve learnt about async work, it is best to know the mode of communication that is best for this setup asynchronous communication. Async communication basically allows employees to interact when they can and doesn’t require team members to be online or available all at the same time. Usual office setup and even newly transitioning remote companies are more fond of synchronous communication, which requires workers to work simultaneously and respond to information immediately. However, imposing asynchronous communication in a remote setting works more conveniently for employees since they don’t have to feel pressured about missing any important messages. It also works best for global teams to be more considerate of their different time zones.

In addition, asynchronous work allows employees to focus on their work rather than constantly checking their inboxes. It is also efficient since employees would most likely learn how to send precise and compact messages rather than spamming their co -workers’ chatbox, which will eventually maintain a smooth workflow. Overall, it is highly convenient for employees and promotes improvement toward better work-life balance.

What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronou work?

You might be thinking, would it bring significant change if I switch to asynchronous work from synchronous work? Although both strategies have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, it does make a huge difference how your employee functions and how the passage of communication flows within your organisation.

Sync work is commonly used in the traditional office setup. However, in the case of remote companies, such as DigiWorks, asynchronous work might be a better method In the office, everyone has the benefit of meeting face-to-face and having personal interaction with their co-worker. Every team member can also work simultaneously, knowing that their workplace is in the exact location and functions in the same time zone. On the other hand, remote work often has global team members who are living in different countries and have diverse work schedules. Therefore, allowing employees to work independently and manage their own work hours and tasks might be more beneficial.

Asynchronous work will also help employers avoid micromanaging. Managers don’t have to freak out when employees are still not at work 30 minutes prior to their schedule. Instead, they can focus more on the finished projects and ongoing activities of their employees, which they can monitor through the use of some software devices. Some might disagree with asynchronous work and state that it pushes employees to be lazy and not take their role in the company seriously. However, that will only depend on how you still manage your teams. Without proper guidance, regular policy, and effort, you can expect that it will not work best for you!

What are the circumstances of async work?

Like any setup, asynchronous work also comes with its fair share of challenges. You might find interruptions and difficulties, especially if it is your first time doing it. DigiWorks also provided some solutions that might be helpful in case you encounter any of these challenges.

1. Less exciting brainstorming

Some employees always look forward to sharing ideas with each other when working on a new project. That allows them to be creative and spontaneous with their colleagues and embrace an inclusive work culture. If you want to keep the fun in brainstorming even while working asynchronously, try gathering the availability of your employees and open brainstorming during this time. Make sure to send them the agendas beforehand to give them time to think, so it is easier to bounce off their ideas when they already know what to talk about. Design a document and provide instructions so everything is crystal clear, and they can quickly deliver their opinions. Lastly, give them a deadline and share the result with everyone.

2. Employees feel isolated or disconnected.

Working asynchronously might seem like you have to do your tasks independently, leaving no room for interaction with your colleagues. Instead of having an inclusive work environment, employees feel like they are working as a one person team. Since employees already work asynchronously, employers can organise the occasional meeting solely for personal interactions and team building. In that way, employees can still connect with their co-workers. Additionally, employers should have designated channels for non-work related topics, so employees can easily share personal experiences that will help them build a strong professional relationship.

3. Difficulty with communication

There are times when employees would need immediate action from their co-workers when working on a project. No one is fond of being interrupted just because their colleague hasn’t responded to their messages for days. If you want to avoid that, employers can set some ground rules in terms of communication. You can ask your employees to at least check their emails or communication app at least once a day, even if they are not working. Plus, if anyone needs to ask someone anything, they should comprise all questions and information in one message, so they don’t have to spam their co-workers’ inboxes. It is also essential to be upfront and clear with their messages to avoid taking extra time from their employees. It will also be better if they can send on group chats rather than direct messages if it is not something personal so that others can give you suggestions instead.

How will asynchronous work benefit team members?

Although asynchronous work comes with challenges, it also comes with a plethora of benefits that your employees will indeed find convenient. DigiWorks break down some of the best factors that make async work best for everyone.

  • Without being continuously interrupted and stressed out by synchronous communications, teams can work more productively, given that they can manage their work schedule and tasks. They can efficiently work on time when they can give their best selves and focus on their job more due to minimised disruptions.
  • Since async work allows workers to do their tasks on their own, they are required to input their best judgement when their managers are not available. It helps them become more initiative and improve their decision-making skills, which will be useful for future projects. That will give them the power to direct their own project and will make their workflow more effective. Accordingly, employees will feel more accounted for in their own work knowing that they apply their own perspectives and decisions. It will make your team members more trusted and valued within the organisation, knowing that you let them manage their work. Of course, there are times when you still need to guide them, but that will just furtherly improve how they think and view their work.
  • It increases the confidence of employees when their work (which they put their total effort and critical thinking into) is recognized by their managers. It helps them grow together with their teams and build a sense of independence, and thrive as individual workers. Allowing your employees to work on their own will push them to consider their decisions and take accountability for their actions, which will drive them to provide their best output.
  • One of the most beneficial factors of working asynchronously is the increase in employees’ work-life balance due to various reasons. First, remote workers can manage their own work schedule, providing flexibility and leading to a more productive day. It is easier for them to allot time for their personal lives and work tasks and helps fulfil their daily list of activities more efficiently. Since remote workers are more independent, they don’t have to put up with the tension of working on a strict schedule, which totally defeats the benefit of working remotely. Additionally, global team members have varying time zones depending on their location. It eliminates the issue of working beyond their work hours and staying late at night just to fulfil their work hours.
  • When working synchronously, employees might feel overwhelmed with the tasks and feel like they need to work quickly as everything moves really fast. It makes it hard for them to document everything and just rely on notes or emails. However, working asynchronously allows them to have time to record everything and save all the important information.

How to success ully enforce asynchronous work on your team?

Now, you have a better understanding of what to expect on async work. However, there might be some steps before you can finally go fully asynchronous with your remote team. DigiWorks provided some tips and advice to help your teamwork asynchronously efficiently!

  1. Although most companies who go fully remote usually don’t rely on work hours, on the output or accomplished tasks of their employees, establishing a time-tracking tool might help with asynchronous work. That will give team members accountability when it comes to their work hours and provide the option to work more efficiently. Since you cannot monitor the hours when your employees are online, having a time-tracker will give you a quick overview of how they perform. Employers can also take this opportunity to check the time that their employees might be the most productive, so they can avoid sending messages when they are offline or unavailable.
  2. Asynchronous work offers employees the power to manage their own work tactics. However, providing guidelines or policies that will help employees increase productivity might be a great way to start async work with. For instance, you can include checking their emails and messages at least every other day just to ensure that they didn’t miss anything. Additionally, employers can set due dates on specific projects to push employees to avoid procrastination.
  3. Employers should also set some expectations. Asynchronous work doesn’t mean not showing up at work for a couple of weeks straight with no excuses. In DigiWorks, we allow employees to send some notes or messages if they can’t go to work due to personal reasons.

Helpful tools that work best for asynchronous work

Asynchronous work will work differently in every organisation, finding the right tools to use with your teams will help you make the most of it. The good news is that there are plenty of software and apps you can explore that will surely be helpful to make async work successful.

1. Messaging tools

Questions and other exchanges of information with coworkers don’t always have to revolve around email where you have to make formal messages. You can utilise software tools, such as Slack, that have plenty of features that will help improve async communication. Employees can even schedule messages to ensure that their colleagues will receive them as soon as they jump in their work. It also has a ‘create post’ feature that can be used as a task manager, to do list, or just to compile some ideas.

2. Meeting or video conferencing tools

Asynchronous work doesn’t mean having zero real time interaction. Employees can still communicate through meetings or occasional video conferencing through the use of some software tools. They can use this opportunity to know each other personally, collaborate on big projects, or for team building activities.

3. Storage service

It is easier for employees to collaborate even with asynchronous work when they can see each other’s finished projects and have access to files online through storage services. This is also helpful for employees who wish to document their works for future purposes or to guide them for bigger projects.

4. Project management software

Aside from storing files, having a space to organise all projects and tasks will make it easier for employees to navigate their finished works and arrange their files accordingly.

Ready to build your remote team?

Use the DigiWorks platform to hire, manage, and pay remote talent from all over the world.

Conclusion

Providing your employees with options to make their workplace more comfortable and maintain a productive workflow will help them thrive in their careers, which will also help your company. Finding ways to make work-life better for your employee is not just about their engagement and productivity, but also about ensuring that their health is well-taken care of. Asynchronous makes communication and work better for everyone and is becoming more prominent in the business world. Implementing a great strategy for your organisation will surely give you a better outcome and help boost your company to its success.

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About DigiWorks

DigiWorks is an easy-to-use platform that helps small businesses and start ups hire amazing remote talent from around the world. DigiWorks offers a way for you to hire, manage and pay people from all countries. If you find an amazing virtual assistant from Philippines, a content writer from Nigeria, or operations manager from South Africa – manage and pay your entire team from one platform with no hassle.

If you’re looking for a more affordable and sustainable option you might consider making use of a hiring platform like DigiWorks. Virtual assistant companies or platforms like DigiWorks are amazing as they not only match you with pre-vetted and assessed remote workers that can take care of all your business needs but they will also handle all onboarding and payroll needs as well.