This episode of REWORK delves into an essay from the book "It Doesn't Have To Be Crazy At Work," co-authored by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, advocating for the use of asynchronous communication for work projects. During the discussion, they explore the downside of chat and suggest it be reserved for informal discussions and social interactions. Key Takeaways: 00:36 - Different communication methods in the workplace – chat vs. asynchronous 02:22 - The benefits of centralized communication for project management and how chat can hinder productivity 09:20 - Managing multiple conversations for a single project 11:28 - How project management tools reduce the need for frequent meetings, check-ins, and follow-ups 20:05 - Data retention practices for both formal and informal communication Links and Resources: Once. com – https://once.com/ Campfire – https://once.com/campfire Books by 37signals – https://37signals.com/books Sign up for a 30-day free trial at Basecamp.com HEY – https://www.hey.com/ The REWORK podcast – https://37signals.com/podcast/ Rework is a production of 37signals. You can find show notes and transcripts on our website. Full video episodes are available on YouTube and X. If you have a question for Jason or David about a better way to work and run your business, leave us a voicemail at 708-628-7850 or email, and we might answer it on a future episode.