We work quite differently compared to most other companies. Definitely when it comes to meetings.

Async-first

At Mbrella, we try to avoid meetings. Instead, we communicate async-first, mostly written. Why asynchronously instead of in real-time? We can’t say it any better than Basecamp in their communication guide.

• It doesn’t interrupt

  Internal communication based on long-form writing, rather than a verbal tradition of meetings, speaking, and chatting, leads to a welcomed reduction in meetings, video conferences, calls, or other real-time opportunities to interrupt and be interrupted.

• It makes the best thinkers stand out. Not the best debaters

  Writing solidifies, chat dissolves. Substantial decisions start and end with an exchange of complete thoughts, not one-line-at-a-time jousts. If it's important, critical, or fundamental, write it up, don't chat it down.

• It’s scaleable

  Speaking only helps who’s in the room, writing helps everyone. This includes people who couldn't make it, or future employees who join years from now.

• It’s flexible

  Communication shouldn't require schedule synchronization. Calendars have nothing to do with communication. Writing, rather than speaking or meeting, is independent of schedule and far more direct.

Should this be a meeting?

We work async-first. Not async-only. That means that we still have virtual meetings when necessary. But they are our last resort, not our first option. To decide which communication channel is best, we expect everyone to follow these guidelines (which we blatantly copied from Loom):

• In Notion, we use the ‣ to write up decisions, meeting notes, processes, or announcements
• We don’t use slides for internal use. Slides don’t allow search on key terms in Notion, they’re less standardized than a Notion write-up and designing slides is a cost overhead
• If you resort to a meeting, then make sure every attendee has the same background information and has read through the documentation

That being said, real-time meetings or workshops (if done right) are sometimes still one of the best ways to jam on ideas or get stuff done.

Recurring team sessions

Hello Coffee

Every morning at 9 am

This is a completely optional 15 min meeting that allows us to relax and to wake up. It’s an informal gathering with people from all teams that replaces the usual morning chat at the coffee machine.

Townhall

Every 2nd Thursday of the month

The Townhall is hosted by the founders and debriefs everyone about the company's evolution and the main goals for the upcoming months. It’s also a convivial moment with the whole team where everyone can ask questions.