> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.oikos-international.org/oi-user-guides/-MhyYb9hfI-Kkxr_150f/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.oikos-international.org/oi-user-guides/-MhyYb9hfI-Kkxr_150f/working-at-oikos/internal-communication/how-we-communicate.md).

# How we communicate

In contrast to other organizations, we work **fully-remote**, our team is **spread over differnt countries and time zones**, we have **different working hours** and simply **no common office space** (apart from the VO) where we can quickly chat if something comes up. 

Therefore, especially *written communication* is often the go-to way to exchange information. Connecting back to our communication principles, **CLARITY & DIRECTNESS** are crucial to prevent misunderstandings and confusion via chat. 

{% hint style="info" %}
Before sending any message, it is recommended to always ask yourself "*How can this message be read & understood by the recipient?*". Double-checking might take you 1 min more, but can prevent a misunderstanding that takes way longer to solve!
{% endhint %}

#### Open door policy 

No matter how long you have been part of our team, you can always hit up any team member via chat! As we want to foster a safe space where everyone is welcome, this rule is key to have as little barriers as possible. However, you might want to consider individual preferences of team members when it comes to their preferred communication channel (see oikos homebase for more information).

### Our main communication channels

To exchange with each other, our community, and external parties, we have two main communication channels that will be introduced in the following subpages:

{% content-ref url="/pages/xAxhXyVC4Mx2W5SWwYhy" %}
[How we use Discord](/oi-user-guides/-MhyYb9hfI-Kkxr_150f/working-at-oikos/internal-communication/how-we-communicate/how-we-use-discord.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/pages/2vjpPvnwFLExfIyy2oU8" %}
[How we use Gmail](/oi-user-guides/-MhyYb9hfI-Kkxr_150f/working-at-oikos/internal-communication/how-we-communicate/how-we-use-gmail.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}