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
| Type | Response Time |
|---|---|
| Urgent cases | Within 2 hours during working hours |
| Non-urgent cases | Within 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!