🌍 Time Zone Survival Guide for Global Teams

Working across time zones?

You know how it goes:

“Let’s talk tomorrow” means Tuesday for you, Wednesday for them, and Thursday for Steve in Sydney.

Add Business English into the mix, and things get even trickier.

It’s not just what you say—it’s when and how you say it.

📊 In fact, 62% of remote workers say time zones cause delays and confusion. (Source: Owl Labs)

Here’s how non-native English speakers (and honestly, all of us) can make remote work smoother across time zones:

🕒 5 Simple Tips for Clearer Communication Across Time Zones

1. Be specific with time. Instead of “Let’s chat tomorrow,” say:

   👉 “Let’s meet Wed @ 3PM CET / 9AM EST.”

   ✅ Use tools like World Time Buddy—your future self will thank you.

   
   

2. Write for people in different time zones.

   Skip “Are you around right now?”

   
   

   Try:

   ✅ “Just leaving this here for your morning.”

   ✅ “No rush—whenever you're online is perfect.”

   It shows you trust your teammates.

   
   

3. Make your requests flexible.

   ❌ “Can you send this now?”

   ✅ “When you’re back online, could you send this over?”

   Politeness matters—it’s not passive, it’s professional.

   
   

4. Say exactly what you mean.

   ❌ “Update?”

   ✅ “Hi! Just checking back to see if the Q3 report is still on track for Thursday?”

   Short and clear = fewer delays.
   

5. Show time-awareness.

   ✅ “Thanks for replying so late in the evening—hope you can rest now.”

   ✅ “Sending this your way—feel free to grab coffee first, no rush.” ☕

   It’s small, but it shows empathy.

Want to sound confident, human, and easy to work with—no matter the time zone? 🌐 Visit AurumBorealis.com to level up your writing, tone, and cross-cultural communication.