Remote Working & A Company Trip Adventure

I've been working remotely since the pandemic. Two days after the first case in Turkey was announced, we were sent home, and that's how the work-from-home adventure began. Over time, I've gotten used to this working style, which wasn't my own choice. After moving from Istanbul in November 2020 and starting at Teamtailor in October 2021, I started working entirely remotely.

Of course, it was challenging at first. Despite the expansions in 2022, working from a small city in Sweden was challenging for someone like me, who had never worked outside of an office. It wasn't until I had the opportunity to travel to Sweden twice in late summer and early fall 2022 to work in the office that I finally came to my senses.

I don't think remote work is for everyone. I don't have enough experience to be an expert on the subject, but I think I can speak a little. First, it's important to ask whether you're ready for it. Second, it's important to know whether the company is ready for it. Because, in my opinion, it's a two-way street. Your company culture and yours need to complement each other in this regard. So, I can't say whether remote work is good or bad. That's for you to decide.

While initially difficult and unsuitable for me, remote work became more stable over time as I adapted to it and Teamtailor grew. The fact that the company has employees from every continent except Antarctica, and that they've thoroughly adapted the remote and distributed work culture to their own, accelerated the process for me.

I have two teammates who work directly with me daily. One is in Ankara, the other in Sweden. The Product department is comprised of people working in completely different countries. Since we're all in Europe, we don't have to worry about the time difference. The time difference with Turkey can be as much as two hours during the winter, but we manage this with good communication. Written and verbal communication is the most critical aspect of remote work. It's crucial to establish this. Otherwise, it's a tremendous waste of time.

Teamtailor gathers the entire company for three days in early October each year at a large, seaside hotel in a European holiday destination. These hotels are usually outside the city, and we spend all our time at the hotel, having fun and working. During this time, we socialize extensively and strengthen our relationships with our colleagues.

The first day on the road is spent arriving at the hotel. Then, we settle in and mingle. The second and third days are spent working more, holding meetings and workshops together, and socializing. Evenings can be planned for dinner and partying together. The fourth day, leaving the hotel and returning home, is usually spent on the road.

The best part for me about these trips is seeing my teammates. Being able to socialize with them outside of work, discuss work face-to-face, and make plans is very beneficial. When we return home, it's exciting to start working on these plans. After these trips, my interest in my work and the team grows even more when I get home. Without these trips, many things would probably gradually lose their meaning for me. The company and the work I'm working on take on even more meaning thanks to these trips.

I could go into more detail and explain what happens on these trips, but I'll leave it at that. Teamtailor periodically hires for the Product department. You can follow their website. There are also job postings in other departments. Feel free to ask me any questions you have. I'll do my best to help.

So, what's your working style? If you work remotely, does your company fit this culture?