What is asynchronous video
The concept of synchronous video is familiar to everyone, whether it's live streaming, video job interviews, or video conferences at work. During the quarantine, the latter made it possible to continue working in a new format without interrupting existing business processes.
However, it also revealed several shortcomings of the synchronous video conferencing we are accustomed to: remote workers began to face busy schedules, consisting of meeting after meeting, as well as the difficulties of coordinating with colleagues working from other time zones.
This is how a new option appeared – asynchronous video meetings and chats, which help create a more comfortable environment for work and coordination in new difficult conditions. They became great communication tools for remote teams, as their basic idea is quite simple. Instead of scheduling a joint video call, users can record a short video or audio message to send to colleagues, who can view it at their convenience.
Why and when use async collaboration
Asynchronous communication has many advantages:
- Establishing better contact between employees from different time zones or staff with flexible working hours.
- The sender may not wait for a response and go about their business immediately after sending the file.
- Informing participants of any changes in work processes or updates on the status of current tasks without scheduling a meeting for a video call.
- Recording and sending an educational video for many employees without the need for them to be present at the same time to watch it.
- Video message is more useful than a long email when you need to introduce the process in theory and show it in practice.
In addition, this method of socializing can be used in many areas of life:
- Work positions in which the team does not need to be present in one place or work from home, as well as creating video screenings before applying for a job.
- Education – here, this option opens up the possibility of e-learning and is useful for students and teachers who are not located in the same city or country.
- In the field of entertainment, asynchronous video messaging also comes in handy – one of the most common examples is recording the playthrough of difficult parts of a game to help other players.
In general, this type of communication can come in handy almost at any time when you don't want to stress the other person and if you don't need instant feedback from them.
How to start asynchronous video communication
Do you think that asynchronous communication will be useful to you in working with your team? Then consider the following before you start:
- Goal. You have to decide what you want to use asynchronous communication for and whether it is essential or if your team can do it in the usual ways;
- Tools and platforms. Many platforms allow you to record videos, capture screens, or a combination of both. The most common ones include Meet, Zoom, and Teams. There are also less-known platforms like Loom, Jumpshare, Soapbox, etc. Talk to your teammates and try different tools to see which works best for your project.
- Establish rules. Everyone on the team needs to understand how and when to use or not use asynchronous communication to avoid misunderstandings. For example, if someone asked a question and needed an answer right away, it would be preferable to call rather than leave a message.
- Ensure training. Perhaps not everyone is familiar with this way of communication or does not use it often. In this case, it's worth helping people get used to the new method and showing them how to use it.
- Encourage being async. For some, this way of communication may seem unnecessary or ineffective. It is worth emphasizing its positive aspects – after all, respect for personal boundaries and not feeling pressured to respond instantly are pretty good arguments.
The more information you provide to your teammates, the easier it will be for them to get started on their assignments. Thus, you can interact and communicate smoothly despite working on different schedules or in different time zones. And when everyone is on the same wavelength, the team will run like clockwork.
