Running a Remote Team Asynchronously

The Rise of Asynchronous Work 

Remote work has become the norm for many organizations, but not all teams are reaping its benefits. Too often, companies replicate the office online—endless video calls, constant Slack pings, and the expectation of instant responses. 

The result? Burnout, miscommunication, and inefficiency. 

Asynchronous work offers a smarter approach. Instead of relying on real-time interactions, teams communicate and collaborate in ways that don’t require everyone to be online at the same time. This creates flexibility, reduces unnecessary meetings, and often leads to better, more thoughtful work. 

What Is Asynchronous Work? 

Asynchronous (async) work means that tasks, communication, and decision-making can move forward without requiring immediate responses. 

Examples include: 

• Documenting decisions in a shared workspace instead of holding a meeting. 

• Recording video updates that teammates can watch later. 

• Using project management tools to track progress rather than chasing status updates. 

This doesn’t mean teams never meet live—it means they prioritize async methods and reserve synchronous calls for when they’re truly necessary. 

Benefits of Running a Remote Team Asynchronously 

1. Flexibility Across Time Zones  Async work removes the barrier of time zones, allowing global teams to contribute equally. 

2. Fewer Meetings, More Deep Work  Reducing live calls gives people more uninterrupted focus time. 

3. Better Documentation & Transparency  Async-first teams rely on written records, making information accessible to everyone. 

4. Improved Inclusivity  Team members who need more processing time or who can’t always attend live meetings have equal opportunity to contribute. 

5. Scalability  As your team grows, async processes prevent communication chaos and reduce “manager overhead.” 

How to Run a Remote Team Asynchronously 

1. Build a Documentation-First Culture 

• Use tools like Notion, Confluence, or Google Docs for decision-making. 

• Standardize SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures). 

• Keep a central “knowledge hub” where team members can access everything. 

2. Use the Right Tools 

• Project Management: Asana, ClickUp, Monday.com. 

• Communication: Slack (with clear async norms), Loom for video updates. 

• Knowledge Sharing: Notion or Confluence for documentation. 

3. Set Clear Expectations 

• Define response time expectations (e.g., 24 hours instead of instant replies). 

• Clarify when to use async vs. synchronous communication. 

• Encourage over-communication in writing to avoid misunderstandings. 

4. Replace Meetings with Async Alternatives 

• Weekly updates via Loom or written status reports. 

• Decision-making via shared documents with comments. 

• Brainstorming in Miro or FigJam instead of live calls. 

5. Train Leaders and Teams in Async Work 

• Managers should model async behavior by documenting decisions and avoiding unnecessary pings. 

• Encourage team members to block “deep work” hours. 

• Provide training on using tools effectively. 

When Synchronous Still Matters 

Not everything can be async. Live meetings are still valuable for: 

• Relationship building and team bonding. 

• Sensitive conversations (e.g., performance reviews). 

• Complex problem-solving that benefits from real-time interaction. 

The key is to use synchronous time intentionally rather than by default. 

Final Thoughts 

Running a remote team asynchronously is not about eliminating live interaction—it’s about using it wisely. By embracing async practices, your team can: 

• Reduce meeting fatigue. 

• Improve productivity and focus. 

• Build a more inclusive, flexible culture. 

The future of work isn’t just remote—it’s asynchronous.