Managing remote teams has become the new normal, but delivering extraordinary results still presents challenges. At Vicarius, we've found that focusing on several key principles has allowed us to thrive with a distributed team across multiple continents.
Our company comprises about 80 people on 4 continents, in 15 countries, who speak different native languages and work across various time zones. Only 35 employees work in a hybrid model in Israel, while the rest work fully remotely. The first principle that helps us succeed is trust.
Environment of trust
When you can't see employees at their desks, you must trust that they're getting the job done. Micromanaging remote workers by tracking activity metrics or requiring endless status meetings is demotivating. Instead, we create an environment where team members manage their own time and workflows. We judge performance solely by delivered results and code quality, not hours logged.
Moreover, we encourage all employees, especially those working abroad, to have open discussions with the team so they feel empowered to think outside the box. We want them to be creative in their work and share their knowledge with the rest of the team. Ultimately, everyone benefits from this collaborative approach.
The key is mutual trust between employees and management. Research has shown that people stay in companies where they feel valued and have a sense of purpose. When recruiting, we're not just looking to check boxes. We want people who will benefit from their position and grow with us. We always ask candidates what they want to do in their job, aiming to understand if we can provide those opportunities.
When new hires see that we deliver on our promises, trust is established. It's crucial to meet all expectations and create an environment where employees can develop within the company, share knowledge, and enjoy a positive work experience.
Remote onboarding experience
The onboarding process is highly important for both the candidate and the company. As an HR manager, I make it a priority to follow up with new employees to ensure everything is going smoothly. We handle all logistics, equipment, and knowledge sharing, providing as much information as possible over the first two to three weeks. This helps new employees meet key people in the company and get onboarded effectively.
We aim to give them a 360-degree overview of the company, covering R&D, product, and sales, so they understand not just their own position but the company as a whole. This holistic view is especially important in a startup like ours, where we work with a lean structure and open communication.
We strive to provide a smooth "getting to know you" experience and follow up after the first month, then again after three months, to see how things are progressing. We ask for feedback and ensure they have all the necessary tools and resources to succeed.
Clear communication and expectations
We establish multiple channels and encourage teams to discuss work via chats, video calls, project tools, and shared documents. Setting clear expectations upfront through detailed 30-60-90 day plans provides essential structure. We understand that responsibilities, especially in remote positions, require clarity since candidates can't meet people in person. Providing as much information as possible helps them feel confident that they've made the right choice.
Small things matter
We welcome new team members with messages and presents on their first day, which can be challenging for global companies but is something we're committed to managing smoothly. We host all-hands meetings about once a month to provide information and updates on every aspect of the company.
These meetings are for all employees, but we always have to consider global connectivity. We're working on increasing global connectivity through virtual happy hours and knowledge-sharing sessions relevant to everyone. It's an ongoing challenge for the HR team, but one we're dedicated to solving.
We share important milestones, anniversaries, and successes company-wide, regardless of location. Our "Employee of the Quarter" program recognizes top performers around the globe, further fostering a sense of unity and appreciation.
Of course, we encounter challenges along the way, and not everything proceeds without difficulty. However, we accept these challenges, learn from them, and continuously improve. We take pride in mastering the complexities of managing a multi-national, multicultural, strong remote team.
By focusing on trust, comprehensive onboarding, clear communication, attention to detail, and continuous improvement, we've created a thriving remote work culture that spans the globe and delivers exceptional results.
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