Airbnb's CEO prefers texting over email, calling inboxes less personal
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky says he rarely drafts emails, perhaps fewer than one a week, and prefers texting because it feels more personal and less like work. He ranks in-person communication first, followed by Zoom, text, and email. Chesky acknowledges texting staff after hours but says he avoids it during family time unless there is a crisis.
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky says he seldom composes emails, possibly less than weekly, though he replies to incoming ones daily. He prefers texting because it is tied to a person rather than a subject, feels quicker and more contextual, and seems less like work. He ranks communication methods: in-person first, then Zoom, text, and email last.
Chesky has about 8,200 employees and believes texts get faster responses. He tries not to message staff during family time unless urgent, but describes his own work-life boundaries as more blended than most. Other executives, including leaders at Farmer J, Nespresso UK/Ireland, and Uber, have also embraced always-on communication.
Chesky's preference may influence how other executives view workplace communication, potentially normalizing texting as a management tool. Employees, especially younger workers who value boundaries, could feel more pressure to respond outside set hours, even if urgent exceptions are intended. This may affect work-life balance and retention, as survey findings suggest. Companies could face tension between faster coordination and employee expectations.