Standards & Best Practices

Communication
Guidelines

Vault Group — How we maintain efficient and respectful communication across all platforms.

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As a globally distributed team, clear communication is essential to our success. Here is how we maintain efficient and respectful communication across all platforms.
01

General Guidelines

  • Language: Our primary language for communication is English to ensure inclusivity and understanding for everyone.
  • For priority requests: Use email. For everyday matters: Slack channels.
  • Be clear and concise: Whether writing an email, Slack message, or preparing for a meeting, aim for clarity and brevity.
  • Be respectful: Always maintain a professional and respectful tone in all communications.
  • Review the Vault Code of Conduct: Ensure you are familiar with and follow the Vault Code of Conduct to help maintain a respectful and professional work environment.
02

Email Communication

  • Use clear subject lines to indicate the purpose of your email (e.g., "[ACTION REQUIRED] Team Feedback" or "[FYI] New Process Update").
  • Always address the recipient(s) and close with a polite signature. Do not forget CC.
  • Keep emails focused and avoid overly long messages. If multiple topics need to be discussed, use bullet points for structure.
  • For urgent matters, consider using Slack or scheduling a meeting. Emails are better suited for formal or non-urgent communication.
03

Slack Communication

  • Public channels > DMs: Whenever possible, use public channels to keep conversations transparent and inclusive.
  • @here and @channel: Use these mentions sparingly to avoid unnecessary disruptions. Only use them for critical updates.
  • Thread replies: Use threads to keep conversations organized and prevent flooding the channel.
  • Be mindful of time zones: Our distributed team spans various time zones, so be considerate when expecting responses.
  • React with emojis: Use emojis to acknowledge posts/requests. It is a simple way to show you have seen the message without needing to reply.
  • Set your status: When on vacation, sick, commuting, or away from your desk. This helps everyone know your availability and manage expectations for response times.
04

Deadlines for Replies

TypeResponse Time
Urgent casesWithin 2 hours during working hours
Non-urgent casesWithin 1 business day

If you are unable to respond in time, kindly let your team know when you will be available.

05

Meeting Etiquette

  • Preparation: Share an agenda in advance to give participants time to prepare.
  • Time Management: Start and end meetings on time. Respect everyone’s schedule.
  • Active Participation: Use video whenever possible for better engagement. Stay focused and minimize distractions.
  • Follow-Up: Summarize key decisions and next steps in Slack. Put tasks in Task Tracker during the call.
Let's keep communication clear, collaborative, and fun!
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