As we deal with the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic and ease back into normal life, many businesses have chosen to remain remote or hybrid workplaces. More and more companies are beginning to realize the benefits of asynchronous work in 2023 and more and more employees are demanding more flexibility in order to achieve an improved work-life balance, enhanced productivity, a more inclusive workplace, and better business outcomes. In this article, we will explore the reasons why you should be working asynchronously in 2023.
What is Asynchronous Work?
Asynchronous work is a way of working where team members do not have to be online at the same time, but rather can complete tasks and communicate with each other at their own convenience. It refers to the execution of tasks in a non-blocking manner, allowing multiple operations to occur simultaneously. This allows for more efficient use of computing resources and improved performance in certain situations. This approach to work can offer many benefits for both employees and employers.
In contrast to synchronous work, which requires tasks to be completed in a sequential and blocking manner, asynchronous work allows for multiple tasks to be initiated and executed simultaneously, with the results being returned at a later time. This allows for a more efficient use of resources, as employees do not need to wait for one task to complete before starting another.
Benefits of Asynchronous Work
One of the main benefits of asynchronous work is increased flexibility. With the ability to work at their own pace and the time saved without their commute to the office, employees can better balance their work and personal responsibilities. For example, parents can work during their children’s nap times, or individuals with disabilities can work during their most productive hours. This flexible work arrangement allows you to work from anywhere, at any time, providing greater control over your work schedule. This can lead to reduced stress and increased job satisfaction, as you no longer have to worry about long commutes, rigid work hours, or being tethered to a physical office.
Asynchronous work can also increase productivity by allowing team members to work during their most productive hours. Research has shown that people have different times of the day when they are most productive, and asynchronous work allows employees to capitalize on this. By working at your own pace, you can increase your focus and reduce distractions, allowing you to prioritize tasks and focus on what’s important. This can lead to increased higher quality work, efficiency, reduced costs, and better outcomes for both you and your employer.
Asynchronous work can also improve communication and collaboration within teams. With the ability to communicate and collaborate on tasks at their own convenience, team members can better coordinate their efforts and stay on track with projects. This can lead to increased productivity and better results. Additionally, eliminating the need for physical proximity or even the constraints of time zones allows for access to a wider pool of talent.
Asynchronous work can also benefit employers by allowing for a more diverse and global workforce. With the ability to work remotely and at their own convenience, employees can be located anywhere in the world, leading to a wider pool of talent to choose from. It promotes inclusivity by providing access to a wider pool of talent, better accommodation for remote workers and those with disabilities, and improved gender diversity. By enabling more women to participate in the workforce, asynchronous work can help close the gender pay gap and support greater equality in the workplace. This can also lead to cost savings for the company, as they do not have to provide office space or cover the costs of relocating employees.
Finally, asynchronous work can also lead to better business outcomes, as the previously mentioned benefits for employees bring long-term benefits to the company such as increased employee retention and lower turnover, improved collaboration and teamwork, and increased efficiency and reduced costs. In an increasingly competitive job market, these benefits can make a big difference for companies looking to attract and retain top talent.
Asynchronous work can offer a range of benefits for businesses, including increased productivity, flexibility, cost savings, and access to a wider talent pool. It also helps employees to have better work-life balance and reduced commute time. However, it’s important to note that asynchronous work requires good communication and collaboration tools to be effective.
Why Might Some Employers Be Opposed?
Asynchronous work often involves employees working at their own pace and schedules, which can make it difficult for employers to oversee and manage their work. This lack of control can be unsettling for some employers who prefer a more traditional, top-down management style.
Some employers may worry that employees will be less productive when working asynchronously, as they won’t be working during the same hours as the rest of the team. For this reason communication in an asynchronous work environment can be challenging, especially when important decisions or time-sensitive information needs to be conveyed.
Measuring the performance of remote or asynchronous workers can also be more challenging, as it is harder to observe their work processes and output.
Finally, some employers may be resistant to change, and the idea of employees working asynchronously may be perceived as a significant shift from traditional working practices.
Overall, while asynchronous work can offer many benefits to both employees and employers, it can also create new challenges that some employers may be hesitant to embrace. Despite the possible initial lack of enthusiasm, there are still ways to negotiate for your case especially if there are other employees who share your preference after trying it out during the pandemic.
How Can You Advocate for Asynchronous Work at Your Office?
- Explain the benefits: Highlight the advantages of asynchronous work such as increased flexibility, improved work-life balance, and higher productivity. A great way to do this is by presenting the research from multiple objective and scientifically peer-reviewed sources. It’s even better if you focus on examples that highlight companies and professions in your specific field
- Lead by example: Your employer may feel more secure knowing if you start by suggesting a trial run. From there, you can demonstrate the effectiveness of asynchronous work by incorporating it into your own work routine and communicating your results to others.
- Communicate clearly: Establish clear guidelines and expectations for asynchronous communication, such as response time frames and availability.
- Emphasize trust: Emphasize the importance of trust in the team and explain how asynchronous work can foster a culture of trust. In order to do this, many companies keep cameras on during meetings to build connection and camaraderie with team members. Businesses have also been known to host virtual team building exercises with games.
- Address concerns: Address any concerns about the implementation of asynchronous work and provide solutions to address those concerns. It would help to do research beforehand and preemptively find solutions in order to allay those concerns before they come up.
- Collaborate with management: Work with management to incorporate asynchronous work policies into the company culture and operations.
Things to Be Mindful of When Working Asynchronously
Keep in mind that while working asynchronously is great, it can be difficult to maintain the professional schedule you were used to while working in the office. Below are a few things to keep you successful in your home office.
- Communication: Ensure clear and regular communication with team members to minimize misunderstandings and avoid misaligned expectations.
- Time zones: Take time zone differences into account when scheduling and coordinating asynchronous work.
- Dependencies: Be mindful of dependencies between tasks and coordinate accordingly to minimize delays and ensure timely completion. This is especially true when you are not able to receive immediate face to face responses and feedback in an asynchronous environment. Being aware of your tasks and how they affect everyone else’s tasks as part of the bigger picture is key.
- Collaboration tools: Utilize appropriate collaboration tools (e.g. project management software, video conferencing) to facilitate efficient remote work.
- Availability: Make sure team members are available and responsive during their designated working hours to maintain the flow of asynchronous work.
- Trust: Establish trust between team members to foster a productive and positive asynchronous work environment.
- Work-life balance: Take steps to maintain a healthy work-life balance, such as setting clear boundaries and avoiding overwork, to avoid burnout. It can be easy to assume that because your work is so readily accessible that you should be working at any free moment. Resting is also an important aspect of productivity. Block out time in your schedule for work as well as time for your hobbies, friends, and family so that you can come back to work refreshed.
In summary, asynchronous work is a way of working where team members can complete tasks and communicate with each other at their own convenience. As we move into 2023, more companies should consider adopting this approach to work as it can lead to many benefits for both employees and employers. The trend towards asynchronous work is only growing stronger in 2023 and it’s a trend worth considering for anyone looking to enhance their career. It offers many benefits such as increased flexibility, improved productivity, better communication, and collaboration, and a more diverse and global workforce. So why not embrace the trend and start working asynchronously today?
