Tech / Remote Etiquette — Cheat Sheet
Clear, predictable communication habits help interns integrate smoothly into your workflows and reduce avoidable delays. This checklist gives interns simple, practical expectations they can follow from day one.
Core Etiquette Guidelines
These quick rules support reliable communication and a smoother remote experience:
- Include the full time, timezone, and UTC offset in all scheduled times.
- Use the primary communication channel for daily updates and the backup channel for anything urgent.
- Acknowledge messages within the timeframe you and the intern have agreed on.
- Assume positive intent. Ask a clarifying question if something is unclear.
Meetings & Calls
Help interns build strong professional habits for remote collaboration:
- Join meetings 2–3 minutes early, with mic muted and camera on/off as agreed.
- Use video for introductions, 1:1s, and onboarding.
- For quick standups or informal check-ins, audio or chat is perfectly fine.
- If running late, share a quick ETA in the primary channel.
- A standard 10-minute grace period can be used unless you agree otherwise.
Response Time & Availability
Setting clear expectations keeps communication predictable and reduces follow-ups:
- Share working hours and core overlap clearly on the intern’s calendar.
- For non-urgent messages, responses should follow the agreed response window.
- For urgent issues, use the backup contact method and clearly mark urgency.
Accessibility & Inclusivity
Simple adjustments help interns communicate confidently, especially across cultures and languages:
- Use plain language and avoid idioms where possible.
- Provide captions or transcripts for important recorded content.
- Consider cultural norms and time-zone differences when scheduling meetings.
One-Line Policy to Share During Onboarding
Onboarding Communication Policy
- Working hours: [X–Y, timezone + UTC offset]
- Core overlap: [time range]
- Primary channel: [tool]
- Backup channel: [phone/WhatsApp]