Communication
Working with Timezones

Respecting Time Zones

Open source is global. Respect that.

The Reality

You submit PR at 9 AM your time

Maintainer might be sleeping (9 PM their time)

Waits until they wake up (8 hours later)

They review during their morning

You get response at 11 PM your time

What This Means

  • Expect 24-48 hour response times
  • Plan accordingly, don't stress after 2 hours
  • Don't ask for urgent responses
  • Be considerate of working hours

Time Zone Awareness

When communicating:

  • Avoid saying "ASAP" or "urgent"
  • Don't expect immediate responses
  • Use async communication
  • Schedule syncs fairly (alternate times)
  • Document decisions for absent people

Synchronous Meetings

If pairing or meeting required:

Before scheduling:
"What's your timezone? 
I'm UTC+5:30, flexible with timing."

Fair rotation:
- This week: My 6 PM (your 8 AM)
- Next week: My 2 PM (your 4 AM) - I notice this sucks for you
- Alternate times each meeting

Documentation

Because not everyone can attend:

  • Record meetings (with permission)
  • Write summary in issue
  • Share action items
  • Include decisions made

The Earth keeps spinning. Design systems assuming you're not all awake at the same time.