It’s no longer uncommon that remote work is becoming the norm. Some people in our industry want to replace the time wasted commuting with something more meaningful.

The most common misconception is that people think working asynchronously is the same as working remotely with a strict schedule and daily/weekly meetings. When I usually tell someone I work async, the other person says, “Me too. We have daily stand-ups and work from 9 to 5”. The eye-rolls and sighs start. Let’s draw the line between the different types of remote work. 

There’s one type of remote work where people must be online during the same schedule they were going to the office. They have the same number of meetings, if not more, to compensate for the lack of in-person communication. This was the most common type of remote work before COVID, and it still is today.

Another type of remote work is where people must be in sync with only a fraction of their regular full-time schedule. The remaining work happens in an asynchronous manner, but sometimes even that can’t be done on their own schedule. This is common amongst companies that work across multiple time zones. An example would be a remote company formed of US + EU people that operates from 9am – 5pm in the EST time zone with 4 hours of overlap—which is the window when meetings usually happen.

But enough with synchronous work. Let’s get to the dark side of the IT industry. The side that most people don’t know exists. The side that people think it’s just a myth and never works. Here you can find companies that work entirely asynchronously. No meetings. No work hours overlap. Everyone makes their own schedule, and all communication is done in pure writing. Yes, these companies exist; some have been in the industry for over a decade. Gumroad is one of those companies. Sahil Lavingia, the CEO of Gumroad, wrote about how the company operates in No Meetings, No Deadlines, No Full-Time Employees.

The hard requirement for an async work environment is for the company to have well-established internal processes and for people to write well. Writing well means being clear and concise. Don’t say too much, but don’t omit important aspects of a subject. It’s a thin line here. 

Asynchronous work can be a great fit for many people, but it’s not for everyone. It requires a certain level of discipline, self-motivation, and strong writing skills.

One of the biggest advantages of asynchronous work is the flexibility it provides. You can work on your own schedule and in your own way, which can be especially helpful if you have other commitments, such as caring for children or family members. It also allows you to work from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection.

However, there are also some potential drawbacks to asynchronous work. It can be isolating, as you don’t have the same level of face-to-face interaction with your colleagues. You also need to be comfortable working independently, as there may not be anyone immediately available to answer questions or provide guidance.

Despite these challenges, many companies have found that asynchronous work can be incredibly effective. Employees can often focus more deeply on their work by eliminating meetings and other distractions and being more productive overall. And by allowing people to work on their own schedules, companies can often attract and retain top talent from around the world.

As the trend towards remote work continues, we’ll likely see more and more companies adopt asynchronous work as a way to improve productivity and provide greater flexibility for their employees. Whether this type of work is right for you will depend on your personal preferences and work style. Still, it’s an option worth considering if you’re looking for a more flexible way to work. One thing is infallible, though. Async does not equal remote work. It represents just a tiny fraction of it.