Brian de Haaff* says employees can feel part of a good organisational culture — even when they are scattered around the globe.
Office culture or a good salary – which one would you choose?
A recent study by jobs website Glassdoor revealed that most people believe a strong organisational culture will make them happier at work than earning a high salary.
I can see why people might have answered the survey question in this way.
After all, faced with the prospect of spending every day in misery (but with a fat bank account) or being happy and fulfilled (but with a few less dinners out) — I would choose happiness too.
Most of us would.
However, I do not think you should have to choose.
I believe that work should be both rewarded and rewarding.
That means a salary that enables you to live well and take care of your family and also work in an environment that is flexible and positive.
Ideally, you have the ability to grow and learn.
You have the opportunity to take on new challenges and help others to do the same.
I have seen how this is possible firsthand with our team at Aha!
We are one of the fastest-growing software companies in the United States and have built a culture based on our core values.
We put people first, reject drama, and strive to exemplify traits like transparency and kindness every day.
Of course, remote work plays an essential role in our ability to cultivate a happy and productive culture.
The flexibility of remote work is at the core of our culture.
We are a fully distributed company with nearly 100 teammates across the globe.
So if organisational culture rules, what are the ingredients for building a meaningful one with a remote team?
Here is what we have found.
Transparency:
Toxic co-workers tend to stick together and feed off of each other’s negativity.
Working remotely means that folks must adopt a clear and direct communication style in order to collaborate.
This transparency tends to breed more equal relationships between co-workers and discourage bad behaviour.
Leaders set the tone — no secrets, no drama, and no office cliques.
Health:
Stressful commutes and a steady supply of office donuts will worsen anyone’s mental and physical wellbeing.
Not great ingredients for organisational culture either.
A survey of more than 3,000 employees revealed that 77 per cent of respondents think a flexible or remote job would help them exercise more and eat more healthfully.
Some 86 per cent said they would experience less stress.
Our teammates often report that they have more time and freedom to work out and eat well.
Camaraderie:
Is it possible to work alone — far away from your co-workers — and not feel lonely or isolated?
The answer may surprise you.
According to a survey of 19,000 global workers, 55 per cent of remote employees said they feel part of a team.
The key to encouraging team spirit is to connect regularly.
For example, we use Slack and video meetings to interact throughout the day and gather at an all-company meeting once a week.
Gratitude:
You do not have to be in the same room as someone to express thanks.
We have a channel for what we call ‘hatitude’ — a specific statement explaining why we are grateful for a co-worker and their contributions to the team.
Pausing to give appreciation for small acts of kindness really does inspire even more positivity.
Happiness:
Joy is an important component of a meaningful life.
In fact, our reason for existing at Aha! is customer and employee happiness.
When people are free to choose where in the world they want to work, they simply enjoy their day-to-day work more.
They feel comfortable with their surroundings and have more time to spend with family.
These are some of the benefits of a positive remote work culture that I have witnessed.
Of course, not every remote organisation is a healthy one, and distributed teams are not immune to toxic behaviour.
However, remote work has great potential to offer people a happier way of working and living.
Is that not what culture is all about?
*Brian de Haaff is the Chief Executive of cloud-based software company Aha! He can be contacted on Twitter @bdehaaff.
This article first appeared at Inc.com.
The original Glassdoor article can be accessed at this PS News link.