One of the most important elements of our work culture is our semi-asynchronous (async) communication. But what does semi-async mean, and how does it benefit our team?

Firstly, here are some definitions:

Asynchronous - not existing for occurring at the same time. In a nutshell, async communication refers to any type of communication where there is a delay between when the message is sent and when that message is acted on. At Circuit, this type of communication is usually via a Twist message or a Loom.

Synchronous - existing or occurring at the same time. Most companies work this way, and is any type of communication in real-time. if you are familiar with face-to-face meetings, phone calls, and instant messaging where you expect a reply right away - you probably work synchronously!

So what is Semi-Async, and why do we use it?

As we’ve mentioned above, async working means that we don’t all have to be online at the same time to do our jobs effectively. We can work in different time zones, work flexibly, and have the freedom to work uninterrupted, responding to communication at our own pace.

There are times when a real-time conversation makes sense —and that’s where the “semi” comes in! For example, kicking off a complex project, a 1:1 between a team member and their manager, or a company meeting (we use roam for these meetings).

Work uninterrupted - Collaborate with folks in different time zones - Work Flexibly - Stay connected.

How We Make It Work

Approximately 80% of our communication at Circuit is asynchronous, but that doesn’t mean we’re all working in silos or that people are left in the dark (in fact, quite the opposite). We value collaboration as a team - we just approach it a little differently.

• Clear Documentation and Communication: We put a lot of emphasis on clear and detailed documentation of processes, decisions, and discussions. This transparency makes sure everyone has access to the information they need, even if they weren’t part of the original conversation.
• Intentional Meetings: We have very few meetings at Circuit—most people only have around one a week—and when we do have them, they have meaning and purpose. If at any time we find that this is not the case, we revert to async.
• Staying connected: 1:1s with your manager, company updates, and optional in-person and virtual social events - while most of our communication is async, we still need these moments to stay connected and aligned as a team.
• Trust and autonomy: Our folks have a lot of autonomy early on; we trust them to manage their time, communicate effectively, and deliver high-quality work without the need for micromanagement.
• Async teamwork: Working asynchronously doesn’t mean our folks work alone! We work closely on projects most of the time; we just communicate differently.

We are building a flexible and inclusive company that is respectful of the diverse ways in which people do their best work. This approach is a key part of what makes Circuit a great place to work, and we will continue evolving and refining it as we grow.

If you’re interested in finding out more about what it is like to work at Circuit, check out our careers page 👉 www.getcircuit.com/jobs