Asynchronous means "not occurring at precisely the same time." Thus, asynchronous work, or in short "async work" refers to work that doesn't happen simultaneously.
When working asynchronously, it is not required for you and your co-workers to be present at the same time and responses in real-time are not expected by default.
You can do your tasks on your own at a time that fits best in your schedule, as long as you don't need immediate interaction with others. That is true for many knowledge workers who for example have clear, independent tasks, consume or research information, analyze facts, think about them, and document solutions to communicate them to others.
When working asynchronously, it is not required for you and your co-workers to be present at the same time and responses in real-time are not expected by default.
You can do your tasks on your own at a time that fits best in your schedule, as long as you don't need immediate interaction with others. That is true for many knowledge workers who for example have clear, independent tasks, consume or research information, analyze facts, think about them, and document solutions to communicate them to others.
Synchronous work
In contrast, synchronous work happens at precisely the same time.
You and your co-worker are sitting together in a meeting interacting in real-time or at least awaiting your simultaneous attention. Besides meetings, when working synchronously you are asked to be present and ready to interact immediately by answering phone calls, chat messages, emails, or questions from people that show up at your desk in the office. Your default is always on and ready to interact within a short time frame.
You and your co-worker are sitting together in a meeting interacting in real-time or at least awaiting your simultaneous attention. Besides meetings, when working synchronously you are asked to be present and ready to interact immediately by answering phone calls, chat messages, emails, or questions from people that show up at your desk in the office. Your default is always on and ready to interact within a short time frame.
Synchronous vs. asynchronous work
For more and more people, synchronous time spent in meetings seems to be a huge waste of working time.
On the other hand, working asynchronously on their own and getting tasks done is often referred to as "doing real work".
Unfortunately, the current work situation in almost all companies prioritizes the mere ability to immediately connect at any time over the ability to do focused work and deep thinking.
On the other hand, working asynchronously on their own and getting tasks done is often referred to as "doing real work".
Unfortunately, the current work situation in almost all companies prioritizes the mere ability to immediately connect at any time over the ability to do focused work and deep thinking.
Only asynchronous work?
Is asynchronous work for everyone?
Synchronous vs. Asynchronous work
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