As more companies embrace remote work, more workforces are made up of distributed team members. This means that colleagues working together on a single project can be dispersed over several time zones. A distributed workforce adds more complexity to project management and communication. However, advances in the internet and cloud-based communication tools have improved the ability of employees and managers to stay in touch. Communication amongst distributed teams can happen in two different formats: asynchronous and synchronous. Asynchronous communication refers to messages, text, or posts that aren’t responded to in real-time. Most communication within a distributed team is asynchronous, like email or postings in a project management tool. Asynchronous communication has several benefits. Firstly, it allows communication between parties with different work schedules.

1. Studying Mars Could Give Insights into
Earth’s Atmospheric Chemistry
Adam Porcher

2. Introduction
As more companies embrace remote work, more workforces are made up of
distributed team members. This means that colleagues working together on a
single project can be dispersed over several time zones. A distributed workforce
adds more complexity to project management and communication. However,
advances in the internet and cloud-based communication tools have improved the
ability of employees and managers to stay in touch.

3. Ozone and water vapor do not get on well in the atmosphere. Ozone (O3) can
be created when ultraviolet radiation from the sun splits (dissociates) carbon
dioxide (CO2) molecules, which make 95 percent of Mars’ atmosphere. Ozone
can be depleted by reacting with hydroxyl radicals (HO), molecules that
comprise one atom of hydrogen and one atom oxygen. A major pathway for
hydroxyl radical production in the atmosphere are through ultraviolet light
dissociating water vapor.

4. Since carbon dioxide prevails in the Martian atmosphere, a global pattern of
ozone should be present except for areas that contain water vapor. In these
areas, the water is split into hydrogen radicals that react with the ozone and
pull it apart.

5. It also allows employees to schedule their tasks in uninterrupted blocks. On the
other hand, this format is not ideal for time-sensitive conversations or complex
topics where participants may have questions that require immediate
responses.

6. During synchronous or real-time meetings, all participants are involved at the
same time. Synchronous meetings are usually held on a video conference
platform like Zoom, or in a chat forum. Since synchronous communications
between a distributed team require a lot of agreement from the group, these
formats are best scheduled in advance and used sparingly. Companies may
have a weekly all-hands on deck synchronous meeting, or schedule periods
where employees across time zones work together.

7. Both communication formats require consensus. Companies should have a
communication plan that outlines when ongoing meetings are scheduled, and
how each platform is used for communication. For example, employees may
post questions about specific projects within the project management tool,
while questions for an upcoming staff meeting are handled through email.
Clearly defined processes reduce the chances of miscommunication.

8. Employees should also have a platform for exchanging personal messages. A
virtual “water cooler” serves as a place where colleagues can discuss their lives
and build relationships. This space improve employee morale and can help
foster a stronger company culture.

9. Companies should also invest in apps and software-as-a-service subscriptions
to streamline and secure their communications. Conversations between workers
should only occur within company tools to ensure security and create a record
that can be accessed by other staff. Business communication apps are also
tailored to company needs. For example, project management tools allow users
to leave messages, files, links to inventory software, and other important
documents.

10. Employees should also be trained on how to communicate clearly on digital
platforms. As non-verbal signals cannot be conveyed over texts, employees
must be more mindful about how they craft their messages. Some colleagues
may speak English as a second language, so it's best to use brief, clear phrases
without jargon or slang. If an issue requires a detailed explanation, the text
should include headings, bullet points, and other types of formatting that help
clarify the message.

11. Communication within a remote team should be frequent enough to keep
employees informed, but not overwhelming. Overcommunication can disrupt a
worker's flow and come across as distrust or micromanagement. Managers and
staff should review communication procedures periodically to identify any areas
where communication can be improved.