It feels like the hits keep coming regarding remote work—everyone is writing about it. So here we are again. I recently shared my thoughts on hybrid work and the ongoing debate about whether flexibility kills productivity. Now, I’ve come across another piece, ‘Bursty’ Communication Can Help Remote Teams Thrive. The word "bursty" really drew me in here, I can't deny it!
Generally, the article argues that remote teams perform better when they communicate in short, intense bursts rather than spreading conversations out with long lag times. It’s an interesting idea, though some of the findings feel a bit obvious. Still, some takeaways are worth exploring, especially how teams connect and collaborate effectively.
“Remote teams that stagnate do so not because their members aren’t hanging out at the watercooler; rather, it’s their communication style that’s to blame.”
This line really hit home—and not in a good way. The watercooler metaphor is so overused it’s cliché at this point. And let’s be real: when was the last time someone innovated at the watercooler? Isn’t that where people talk about last night’s game or complain about the weather? Whether you’re chatting over a watercooler, a Slack thread, or even an email chain, it’s not about the location—it’s about how and when you connect. Sure, physical proximity might help occasionally, but it’s not some magic wand for productivity. Let’s stop romanticizing small talk as the key to great teamwork.
“People often think that constant communication is most effective, but actually, we find that bursts of rapid communication, followed by longer periods of silence, are telltale signs of successful teams.”
This absolutely tracks with what I’ve seen in my own experience. Back in 2012, Greg and I worked with our team across Austin and Philadelphia, and we had to be thoughtful about how we communicated. It wasn’t just about staying connected—it was about finding the right rhythm between focused work, meetings, and collaborative sessions.
The real magic happens when teams find that balance. Quick, productive bursts of collaboration can lead to amazing results, but so can uninterrupted time to focus. The key is to give teams the space to figure out what works best for them—and trust them to use it wisely. Sometimes it’s less about enforcing rigid structures and more about setting clear guidance, protecting their time, and being open to feedback when they feel overwhelmed or unsupported.
With Teamangle, we help teams align on these rhythms. Through our diagnostic tools and workshops, we guide teams to create their own communication strategies, grounded in clarity, trust, and respect. Because when teams own their approach, they’re more likely to thrive—and no one’s left guessing how to make it happen.
“Our research suggests that rather than treating email communication as a purely asynchronous means of communication, teams can achieve higher performance if they use email more synchronously.”
I have to admit, this part gave me pause. Email, really? Maybe it’s because I’ve spent so much time working in tech, but email feels like an odd choice for fostering real-time collaboration. Slack, Teams, and other tools are built for this kind of thing, and they’ve already changed the game for how fast-paced teams communicate. But then again, maybe that’s the point—different industries use different tools, and the key isn’t the tool itself, but how it’s used. If email works for some teams, great. For others, it’s about figuring out how to make your communication platform of choice facilitate focused, meaningful collaboration.
At the end of the day, "bursty" (I still love this word) communication isn’t just about timing—it’s about creating a culture of trust and respect. If your team trusts each other to respond quickly when it matters and respects the time needed to focus in between, you’ve already won half the battle. And as much as I appreciate the insights from this study, I can’t help but think that it’s less about tools or timing and more about intentionality. Teams don’t need to return to the office to thrive; they need the right systems and support to connect, collaborate, and innovate—whether that’s through bursts of rapid-fire chats or moments of thoughtful silence.
