As organizations continue to adopt hybrid work models, powerful corporate communication is even more critical in digital work environments. This week, we’re looking at the role of asynchronous communication to reduce communication overload and protect employee time.
If your organization is characterized by communication overload – long meetings, interrupted workflows – it may be time to tap into the power of asynchronous communication.
Asynchronous communication is any kind of communication that does need a real-time conversation. With teammates in different time zones and schedules, asynchronous communication is vital for hybrid work. It can cut down meeting times, save valuable headspace, and support psychological flow, all of which are essential and proven to avoid burnout.
How can you start thinking about asynchronous communication? When is the best time to use it? Here are a few strategies to consider:
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Record all-team meetings that are more information-based (rather than for the purposes of culture-building) and publish them onto your central communications platform such as Microsoft Teams or Slack. Equally important, communicate expectations around when you need your employees to view these meetings, participate in discussions and/or how to respond.
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Use collaboration tools like Trello, Asana, or Basecamp or Monday.com to track progress and updates on projects. These tools can help ensure everyone is on the same page, regardless of their schedules or locations.
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Encourage employees to set boundaries around their communication preferences and establish a work-life balance (e.g., are there periods of time when employees are not expected to answer emails, like during lunch or after hours?). Some employees may prefer to communicate primarily through email, instant messaging, or project management tools, while others may prefer to schedule video calls, phone calls, or check-ins. Respecting and accommodating individual preferences fosters a sense of autonomy and control, but be sure to balance these with standardized guidelines, communication etiquette, and protocols for everyone.
In conclusion, asynchronous communication is crucial for effective internal communication – improving psychological flow and work-life balance. By implementing these tips, organizations can improve their internal communication strategies and foster a strong corporate culture, leading to increased employee engagement, team morale, and performance.
About Uniity
Uniity is an outsourced employee communications agency that brings decades of experience into businesses, quickly.
Our team of strategists, creatives and production specialists seamlessly integrates into organizations. We work with your people to elevate existing capabilities and to create new ones – to fulfill all your employee communication needs.
We want to hear about your communication challenges.
Connect with Sarah McCarten, Director of Client Success, to share your story.