Remote working: 9 years of lessons learnt

Transcript

1. Remote working: 9 years of lessons learnt ALESSANDRO CALZAVARA
2. This talk contains my personal opinions, based on my experience and the ones of some of my (today and former) colleagues. Everyone is different and every company is different, but we can all learn from each other. Disclaimer
3. Agenda 3 About me What we do and how we do it Working remotely at Voxnest That’s me, Sergio Sandro! Actionable lessons to improve your workflow as remote worker Lessons learnt 1 2 3
4. Hello! I’m Alessandro Calzavara Lead Engineer @ VOXNEST Working on Spreaker mobile and desktop apps 4
5. Hello! Started as iOS developer in 2010, today managing 8 different apps across all platforms. Almost always remote worker. 5
6. My office
7. Working remotely at Voxnest What we do and how we do it
8. Voxnest is an audio technology company specialised in podcasting solutions Our solutions for content creators of all sizes, Ad networks and listening platforms 8 “To simplify the audio industry and drive content creators to success”
9. The team 9 35+ people and growing Spread between US and EUROPE All remote workers
10. 100% remote 10 Key for being effective and inclusive while being distributed across 5 timezones
11. SLACK Main async communication tool MEET / ZOOM For 1-to-1 and group video calls GDOCS All digital, no printed paper TRELLO Planning and workflow for each product team 11 Tools we use everyday
12. Our gathering moments 12 ALL-HANDS We all join to share progresses, results and general information. DONUTS 1-to-1 call between 2 random colleague. To know each others. RETREAT At least once a year, we all meet IRL.
13. Company retreat
14. “We’re always hiring! Visit voxnest.com/careers or talk to me later.” 14 —Everybody at Voxnest
15. Lessons learnt Actionable lessons to improve your workflow as remote worker
16. Find the perfect spot A coworking space, another company office, your home office... Comfortable and well equipped. But also something you can “leave” when the day ends. 16
17. Change place from time to time Different coworking space, a friend office, another country... To understand if your perfect spot is really perfect. Also take the opportunity to do networking. 17
18. Have good quality gears Headphones, chair, keyboard, display... These are tools you’ll be using 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, for years. See them as an investment to make you more effective. 18
19. Good internet connection Prefer stability over performances. Having a backup plan helps in the “bad” moments. 19
20. Schedule discussions smartly Schedule them in advance, share topic/agenda beforehand, group them back-to-back... Give people time to know what will be discussed and when, so they can be ready for it. And still have the time do other tasks. 20
21. Respect everyone’s time Be on time for calls, announce your schedules changes... You’re responsible of your time, so use any tool you need to there when others needs you. 21
22. Don’t rush to respond Yes, no... Don’t know... Having a fast but pointless response is just waste. Prefer complete (even verbose) responses to avoid follow-up questions or misunderstanding. Especially on text form. 22
23. Take care of yourself Create an healthy routine... Having no-one around is not an excuse to forget about hygiene and good habits. You have only one life to live. 23
24. Take a break Virtual coffee with a colleague, do a walk with your dog, having lunch out with friends... Give the time to your brain to relax and process information. Do small things that makes you happy so that later to return energized. 24
25. Enjoy retreats! 25 Eat together. Discuss about anything. Do late night karaoke. Do trekking. Having fun on the beach... It’s all about spending time with your colleagues to create stronger personal connections. It will improve the communication.
26. sandro@voxnest.com @dral3x voxnest.com/about 26 Thanks for listening!
27. Credits Presentation template by Slidesgo Voxnest retreat picture by me and my colleague Mauro Office picture from my colleague Chiara Others from Freepik.com - https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/businessman-watching-time_1378102.htm - https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/running-work_5400424.htm - https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/it-specialist-checking-code-computer-dark-office-night_5698336.htm - https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/purple-fiber-optics-abstract-defocused-background_5142564.htm - https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/close-up-running-shoes-fitness-women-training-jogging_2887359.htm 27