5 benefits of asynchronous work

In the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology, productivity and performance reign supreme. Traditionally, companies require synchronous work, where everyone is tethered to their desks in perfect harmony for eight or more hours, making themselves available for instant messages, impromptu meetings, etc. However, more and more companies are embracing the benefits of remote and asynchronous work and finding that allowing employees to work flexible hours and removing the dependency on real-time conversation doesn’t necessarily result in a loss in productivity. Asynchronous work has always been the norm at Expensify, and we’d love to share some of the top benefits we’ve discovered over the years by maintaining a workplace where employees can work when they want, where they want. 

1. Flexibility breeds productivity 

One of the most significant advantages of asynchronous work is its flexibility. Setting specific hours for employees to be online may mean jeopardizing an employee’s early-hour creative burst or late-night quiet hours. Asynchronous work allows employees to choose when they are most alert and creative and can lead to higher-quality output as people tackle tasks when they're at their best.

2. Minimized interruptions

Synchronous work often leads to frequent interruptions, such as those meetings that could have been an email, phone calls, and impromptu conversations. These can disrupt a person's workflow and focus during the workday, minimizing time available to focus on a specific task or project. Deep work, the state of flow where individuals can concentrate fully on one particular job, is more achievable in an asynchronous setting. Without constant distractions and the pressure to always be immediately available, employees can dive into deep work, which results in more substantial accomplishments.

3. Enhanced collaboration

While it might seem counterintuitive, asynchronous work can promote more effective collaboration. In an asynchronous environment, communication is documented and organized. Opting for an online, chat-format meeting allows employees all over the globe to chime in when they’re online, creating a more inclusive environment across time zones. Having productive conversations online also makes it easier to track project progress and maintain a clear record of discussions, decisions, and assignments. Not to mention, everyone has time to carefully consider responses, reducing miscommunication and misunderstandings, 

4. Access to a diverse workforce

When your company embraces asynchronous work, the hiring net can be cast much wider since employees are not required to be available during set hours. Removing geographical constraints enables businesses to search for top talent in a more diverse workforce, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table, ultimately enhancing productivity and creativity. Another bonus: projects with team members across the globe can maintain momentum around the clock as the task baton gets passed along each timezone. 

5. Improved work-life balance

The constant pressure of being available during synchronous work can lead to employee burnout. In contrast, asynchronous work allows for more reasonable expectations regarding response times, decreasing stress, and improving overall mental well-being.

When employees aren’t required to be in one place for the same period of time every day, they also have more control over their schedules. This flex work may mean taking a midday break for some exercise, spending more time with their kids after school, or spending time with a hobby to inspire creativity. This flexibility in the workday leads to improved work-life balance, job satisfaction, higher morale, and greater productivity overall.

Is asynchronous work right for your company?

Asynchronous work is not a one-size-fits-all solution; there will always be scenarios where synchronous communication is necessary. However, in the modern work landscape, asynchronous work is proving to be a more productive and adaptable approach, placing more consideration on the employee, empowering employees to work when they're at their best, enhancing collaboration and inclusivity, and allowing for a more balanced work-life dynamic.