Being a remote team is as much a part of our DNA as it is a part of our mission. It all began when our fearless leader realized the toll her daily commute took on her time and family. This prompted her to build a different kind of business, even before the COVID-19 era, when remote work was not the norm. Interestingly, she believes that the pandemic has accelerated the acceptance of working remotely, proving its productivity potential. While other employers may have been forced into trying new ways to work, we at TFD had already set out to create it as part of our company culture. We’ve been successful as a start-up with a fully remote team and firmly believe that other companies can see success with remote teams as well. It takes effort, but that effort is rewarded with employee engagement, loyalty, and satisfaction.
By showcasing the varied perspectives within our 7-person digital agency, we aim to inspire others to recognize the significance of working from home and embrace its benefits. Each of our lives has been transformed by the flexibility and freedom that working remotely offers.
With the global pandemic prompting a shift towards remote work, many of our clients have navigated the challenges of juggling work and family responsibilities. In this blog post, we want to highlight how we have made remote work successful, providing us with more free time while effectively completing our tasks.
Our team has experienced a newfound sense of liberation, discovering how they want to live and utilizing the luxury of time to prioritize themselves. Our clients feel supported as well, despite our unconventional setup as a fully remote agency.
How TFD Makes Remote Work, Work
To ensure our team stays connected and fosters deep communication, we employ various strategies. Our regular meetings are focused on production updates, strategy discussions, and enjoyable moments like weekly coffee dates. Additionally, we utilize ad hoc huddles on Slack for quick questions, working sessions, and brainstorming. The flexibility of remote work allows us to create a supportive environment where everyone thrives.
One of the key aspects we have learned is the importance of balancing online time. Initially, we designated specific hours for everyone to be online, but as our team expanded across multiple time zones, we adjusted to a "log-in time" that accommodates everyone. After 2 pm CST, we prioritize flex time, benefiting parents, caregivers, pet owners, and everyone on our team.
From a business perspective, the benefits of remote work are significant. TFD enjoys broader access to talent, reduced overhead costs, and a team that maintains a healthy work-life balance.
We polled our team members to understand what working from home means to them. The consensus is evident: we see ourselves as people who work rather than workers who live. In this summary, we'll explore the perspectives of our team members.
Why the TFD Team Values Remote Work
Parents with young and school-aged children appreciate the flexibility of working from home as it allows them to handle daycare drop-offs and pick-ups during regular work hours. Lauren, for instance, never misses an opportunity to contribute as the Class Mom, while Andrea attends various events and celebrations at her child's pre-K. Melissa coaches basketball, arranges camp transportation, and attends school performances. Tonya, who has prior experience with remote work, emphasizes the autonomy and time management it provides for single parents.
Some team members have partners with unconventional work schedules, making it essential to maintain quality family time without sacrificing online commitments. Andrea starts her day at 6:30 am PST to complete work before her kids wake up. Similarly, I adjust my working hours depending on time zones and daylight saving time, allowing me to enjoy the outdoors with my dogs. No one likes to log on and off for the day and entirely miss the sunshine!
Both Dallas and I are still determining where we want to settle eventually. Remote work enables us to choose our employers without geographical constraints. It grants us the freedom to relocate, bringing our ultimate security blanket—the team. Dallas currently resides in Orlando, having moved from Virginia to explore new possibilities.
Over the past five years, I have logged on to TFD from 15 states, embracing the digital nomad lifestyle. As a non-parent, I have been fortunate to fulfill the role of a caregiver for my ill grandmother, thanks to the flexibility my remote job offers. I can log off in the afternoons to accompany her to appointments and engage in activities, knowing that my work can be completed asynchronously.
Ashley expresses gratitude for the ability to make a cross-country move to be closer to family while still working with clients worldwide. Working from home has freed up mental and physical time previously spent on finding appropriate clothing, a task made more challenging by not conforming to gender norms.
The elimination of unnecessary commute time and exposure to external factors has allowed us to choose when and if we want to leave our homes. We’re all thankful that we have prevented excessive exposure to illnesses and the threat of violence that plagues our country now.
Before the pandemic, some people viewed remote workers as individuals lounging around watching TV. However, the past year has shown that successful work-life integration is possible. We have blossomed in our home lives, becoming better communicators with our team and clients.
As a team, we have worked hard to create an environment that fosters personal and professional growth. Although we meet in person only a few times, we cherish the time spent online together, which ultimately enables us to spend more quality time with our families and enrich our lives. Our small digital agency is a testament to the power of working from home. We hope our experiences and perspectives inspire others to embrace remote work and discover the remarkable benefits it offers for both individuals and businesses.