The Journey Of A High-Performing Remote Team - In Conversation With Betterworks

In the swiftly changing landscape of modern work, the concept of remote work has evolved from being a mere experiment to becoming an integral part of the workforce. This paradigm shift comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities.

We had the privilege of engaging in a conversation with CS Sriram, Head of Engineering at Betterworks, a pioneering performance management software company. Our discussion revolved around the strategies and insights that have enabled Betterworks to build and nurture high-performance remote teams. Let's delve into the key takeaways from our conversation:

Cultivating a Culture of Shared Ownership and Camaraderie

Sriram highlighted that fostering a culture of shared ownership is pivotal to the success of remote teams. This culture thrives on principles of transparency, open communication, and camaraderie among team members. He emphasized that while remote work might distance team members physically, it should not create emotional or intellectual isolation. In fact, it necessitates a heightened sense of connection.

Betterworks champions the concept of shared responsibility by enabling frequent interactions among team members. Regular virtual team meetings, both work-related and informal, provide a platform for collaboration and team bonding. Ensuring that every team member's contributions are recognized and valued is a way by which Betterworks fosters a sense of belonging, irrespective of geographical location.

Moreover, the organization also emphasizes clear communication through well-defined channels. This includes creating forums for casual discussions, which might mirror the interactions that often happen spontaneously in a physical office environment. Slack channels, video conferencing, and virtual team-building activities all play a role in knitting the remote workforce together into a cohesive unit.

Leveraging OKRs for Goal-Oriented Remote Work

Strategies to enhance remote work performance center around the implementation of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). Sriram elucidated how Betterworks utilizes OKRs as a means to set clear goals and assess outcomes that matter. This strategic framework transcends the notion of task completion and delves into measurable results that align with overarching organizational objectives.

As a senior engineer at Betterworks, he highlighted the importance of setting outcome-focused goals that define what needs to be achieved rather than dictating the steps to get there. This approach not only empowers remote teams with autonomy but also promotes a sense of ownership over their work. The iterative nature of OKRs fosters a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging teams to adapt and pivot as circumstances evolve.

Betterworks & GoFloaters: The Remote Work Journey

The partnership between Betterworks and GoFloaters, a flexible workspace platform, embodies the essence of remote work flexibility. GoFloaters offers three key benefits to Betterworks' remote workforce:

1. Personalized Workspaces: Remote employees can leverage co-working spaces through GoFloaters to work in a different environment occasionally, enhancing focus and productivity.
2. On-demand Solutions for Team Gatherings: GoFloaters enables occasional team gatherings, allowing team members to bond and socialize in person with the help of a wide range of hot desks and meeting rooms. These gatherings facilitate deeper connections and synergies among team members.
3. Empowering Self-Organization: Remote teams gain the autonomy to self-organize and collaborate from co-working spaces, enhancing collaboration and camaraderie while retaining the flexibility of remote work.

By utilizing GoFloaters WorqFlexi, Betterworks embraces the remote work model without sacrificing the advantages of in-person interactions. This hybrid approach maximizes flexibility while minimizing the isolation that remote work can sometimes entail.

To know about the latest trends in hybrid work, check our report: State of hybrid work in India

Conclusion

Our conversation with CS Sriram underscored that remote work is no longer a trend but a fundamental transformation in the way organizations operate. The insights from Betterworks' journey unveil the intricacies of building and nurturing high-performance remote teams.

Fostering a culture of shared ownership, leveraging OKRs, and embracing remote work flexibility are pivotal to achieving remarkable results. The road to high-performance remote teams might be challenging, but it holds the promise of an empowered, flexible, and successful future for organizations and their workforce. The journey continues as organizations adapt and evolve to the changing landscape of remote work.