Distributed Work: How to Thrive in a Remote World

The Rise of Distributed Work and Avoiding Common Pitfalls

A shift towards distributed work models is increasingly prevalent within the technology sector, influenced by the ongoing fluctuations of the pandemic. However, successful implementation isn't guaranteed, particularly when adopting a hybrid approach or harboring a preference for traditional office environments.

Recent discussions with leading experts shed light on this evolving landscape. These experts included Wendy Nice Barnes, Chief People Officer at Gitlab, and Phil Libin, Founder and CEO of All Turtles and mmhmm.

Expert Perspectives on Distributed Teams

Barnes transitioned to the fully distributed WebOps company, Gitlab, during the pandemic. Her background encompasses extensive experience in human resources leadership within conventional, physically-based tech companies.

Libin, conversely, has undergone a transformation in his perspective. After years in Silicon Valley centered around in-person meetings, he has embraced the benefits of distributed work over the past two years. This journey led to the creation of mmhmm, a fully distributed video conferencing company.

Key Takeaways from the Discussion

Several crucial points emerged from the conversation, focusing on cultivating the correct mindset, managing time off, and even navigating the fundraising process.

• Mindset is Paramount: A genuine commitment to distributed work is essential for success.
• Vacation Management: Clear policies and expectations are needed to ensure employees disconnect and recharge.
• Fundraising Considerations: Investors are becoming increasingly comfortable with, and even prefer, distributed teams.

Successfully navigating distributed work requires a deliberate and thoughtful approach. Avoiding the temptation to revert to old habits or impose office-centric expectations is vital.

The insights shared by Barnes and Libin highlight the importance of adapting strategies and embracing the unique opportunities presented by a remote-first or distributed team structure.

Embracing a Distributed Model

Acknowledging inherent challenges, Libin highlighted the significant benefits of a distributed work structure. He stated that a key advantage lies in the elimination of commute times for all employees.

This translates to a workforce unburdened by travel, allowing individuals to reside in locations of their choosing and maintain peak productivity.

Libin advocates for reframing the concept of "remote" work. He argues that the term implies a disadvantage, suggesting exclusion from a central gathering point.

Instead, he proposes "distributed" as a more accurate descriptor. This reflects a deliberate design, mirroring the foundational principles of the internet itself.

Distributed systems, like the internet, possess inherent advantages that a centralized network could not offer. The internet’s very existence depends on its distributed nature.

Accelerated Hiring Through Distribution

Barnes illustrated another benefit of a distributed team: a streamlined hiring process. The traditional method of in-person interviews presents logistical hurdles.

These include commuting, security checks, and extended time commitments. A distributed approach offers flexibility and fosters a more efficient learning experience during interviews.

Prospective candidates are more readily engaged and can quickly assess opportunities without the constraints of a conventional office visit.

Managing Time Away from Work

A common challenge for remote workers is determining when to disconnect and take time off. Both panelists discussed effective strategies to address this issue.

Barnes emphasized the importance of cultivating a company culture that prioritizes time away. This begins with leadership demonstrating the practice of taking breaks.

“Leadership needs to exemplify taking time off, which encourages others to do the same,” Barnes explained. “For example, sharing personal plans, like GitLab CEO Sid Sijbrandij did – announcing breaks and destinations in Slack – allows colleagues to see and consider their own time off.”

GitLab also implements a policy of required vacation days for its employees.

Barnes further detailed the introduction of “friends and family days” during the pandemic. “These occur every four to six weeks, resulting in a company-wide day off,” she said. “This ensures that even executives, like Sid and myself, are not visible online, allowing everyone a chance to rest and recharge. These are always scheduled on Fridays to create a longer weekend.”

Mmhmm approaches time off differently, offering a financial incentive rather than mandating vacations.

“We provide a $1,000 bonus to employees who take a trip,” Libin stated. “We also don’t formally track vacation time, trusting our team to manage their schedules responsibly.”

“However, modeling appropriate behavior remains crucial,” Libin continued. “Like Sijbrandij, I’ve shared photos of myself on fishing trips to illustrate the importance of stepping away. While ‘disconnecting’ is often idealized, it isn’t universally beneficial.

The key is achieving a healthy work-life integration, and distributed work offers greater flexibility in this regard. The ability to live anywhere and eliminate commuting time is a significant advantage. It’s important to recognize that distributed work isn’t simply working from home, as many were forced to do during the pandemic. When I need to focus on creative thinking, I often choose to work from a museum.”

Remote Fundraising Strategies: The Deckless Approach

Beyond the broader considerations of building a sustainably distributed company, a crucial aspect of our discussion centered on the topic of securing funding.

Arlan Libin, leveraging his experience as a former venture capitalist, successfully obtained substantial funding throughout the pandemic entirely through remote interactions. He advises founders against accommodating requests for in-person meetings from potential investors.

According to Libin, investors capable of making sound decisions are readily adaptable to a fully remote process. He asserts that the current fundraising landscape is exceptionally favorable for founders. The cost associated with engaging with an investor has been dramatically reduced, approaching zero.

His recommended strategy involves creating a pre-recorded presentation rather than distributing a traditional pitch deck. “I simply recorded myself discussing the slides, highlighting key points and visuals,” Libin explained. “This video became my primary fundraising tool.”

He emphasizes that genuine engagement will occur irrespective of the initial communication method.

“Investors who express genuine interest will proactively schedule a live, synchronous call.” Libin shared. “I’ve completed three funding rounds for mmhmm without a single in-person meeting, and numerous other All Turtles portfolio companies have followed suit. Those insistent on a traditional handshake should be disregarded.”

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLJKNgQ8jWk