Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, is a fully distributed organisation with employees from 62 countries. It utilises an innovative approach to communication, which is pivotal in maintaining its efficiency and productivity. This approach, known as ‘communication density’, is characterised by constant, overlapping, multi-channel conversations that occur in real-time and asynchronously.
The company leverages a variety of tools to achieve this high level of communication. P2, a WordPress theme, is used for most of their communication, replacing traditional email and providing a platform for transparent, asynchronous discussions. Slack is used for real-time conversations, while ‘field guide’ serves as the company’s internal encyclopaedia. Zoom is used for face-to-face meetings, which are recorded and transcribed to maintain transparency and accessibility.
This unique method of communication enables Automattic to maintain a strong culture of collaboration and transparency, despite its geographically dispersed workforce. It allows for the free flow of ideas, encourages participation from all employees, and mitigates the risks of information silos. Furthermore, it empowers employees to work autonomously, fostering a culture of trust and accountability.
Automattic’s approach to communication is a testament to the potential of remote work and could serve as a model for other distributed organisations. It demonstrates the importance of communication density in maintaining productivity and collaboration in a dispersed workforce.
Go to source article: https://data.blog/2017/08/08/how-communication-density-fuels-automattic/