Using asynchronous videos for better workplace communications

More time is spent on video calls than ever, but not all information needs to be shared in real-time. Discover asynchronous videos with VIBBIO.

Remote working has exploded in popularity since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. Since then, businesses have adapted to a new way of working that offers more flexibility to their employees. This comes with several advantages, but it’s not without its drawbacks.

One of the main challenges of the new hybrid working model — where employees split their time between working at the office and working from home — is communication. Not everyone is in the same place simultaneously, making it more difficult to reach team members for conversations, meetings, and calls.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it has forced organisations to think differently about managing their internal and external communications. In the modern workplace, asynchronous communication tools like VIBBIO can optimise and enhance company-wide interactions. So how do they work, and how can asynchronous communication tools benefit your business?

Asynchronous vs synchronous video communications

You can categorise all of your interactions into asynchronous and synchronous communications. The same applies when using video. We’ll help you understand the benefits of both, as well as any potential downsides.

What is synchronous video communication?

We’re all familiar with video conferencing apps such as Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. They’ve skyrocketed in usage since remote work became a necessity and all fall into the category of synchronous communication, along with phone calls, in-person meetings, and any other interactions that happen in “real-time”.

Synchronous communications are vital as they allow multiple team members to communicate with each other at the same time from remote locations. Teams can build a rapport and share information quickly, but synchronous communication methods aren’t best suited to all forms of workplace interactions.

Connection problems, security issues and non-attendance, are commonplace, making cohesive internal communications difficult to manage. Add to this the fatigue associated with video calls, and your employees will be feeling burnt out and exhausted before they’ve had a chance to complete their value-adding tasks.

What is asynchronous video communication?

Asynchronous communication doesn’t require employees to be in the same place or at the same time, which has many advantages. Email, texting, and other text-based messaging platforms are perfect examples of asynchronous communication tools. You send a message, and the message is delivered, then you wait for a response.

While text-based messaging isn’t going away — at least, not any time soon — it isn’t without its inefficiencies. After sending the message, the reply you’re waiting for could take seconds, minutes, hours, or days, which means your employees might easily miss important announcements, updates, and other essential information. This is where information relayed via asynchronous videos makes all the difference.

What are the benefits of asynchronous videos?

If your information doesn’t require an urgent or immediate response, asynchronous communication tools like VIBBIO can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your internal communications. Acting as the bridge between synchronous and asynchronous communications, they:

• Give more flexibility to your employees — Your staff no longer need to tether themselves to their desks and devices — or sit for hours in the office — waiting for communications to be relayed in real-time. Employees demand more flexibility, so this is a step in the right direction to maintain morale and mitigate burnout.
• Allow employees to work more effectively — Employees are more productive when they are afforded more time to focus on important, high-priority tasks that generate real value with asynchronous videos. They no longer need to adjust their schedules to fit in countless calls and meetings that drain their energy.
• Convey important messages clearly — Connection errors and pixelated faces are gone with asynchronous video communications. You can release detailed updates, convey important messages and celebrate your employees’ successes effectively and without demanding the immediate attention of your entire workforce.
• Keep company branding consistent — Creating and releasing branded videos strengthens unity among your employees, giving them a banner to rally under. The added consistency helps build a positive company culture that reinforces your company’s core values and helps establish greater company loyalty.

With so many benefits, it’s easy to see how asynchronous videos help optimise your team’s performance and enliven your remote-working employees. So how do you start using video to make a difference within your organisation?

Using asynchronous videos for business with VIBBIO

Need an intuitive online video maker that enables anyone to create short, branded videos in minutes? With our easy-to-use video maker, you can start using asynchronous videos to revitalise your internal communications and develop a more positive company culture. Record yourself or your screen and take as many takes as you need to get your message across clearly. Get the best of both fully synchronous and asynchronous communication tools with video.

If you need some inspiration for your asynchronous videos, why not check out our use cases? We’ve helped various organisations improve their internal and external communications using asynchronous videos, from recruitment to onboarding and training. Achieve higher engagement, maintain productivity levels and solve problems more effectively with our intuitive video creator.