Working Together in a Remote Setting

A guide on how to work together in a remote setting.

🎬 Where Do We Start?

We've done some live editions, some remote editions and a hybrid edition. With each edition we will improve it! If you have any feedback; do get in touch.

We're all doing this for the first time at osoc. Let us know what's good, what's bad.

📣 Be Vocal

We can't see or hear each other all the time (which is the case in a live setting). So nobody will know when you're in doubt, or in need of help – if you do not speak up.

Working Out Loud

Keep your teammates up-to-date on what you're doing. Update your tasks in your project management tool (trello, kanban, github, ...), hang out in the voice chats, perform daily standups, ... Whatever works for the team, just make sure you know what your teammates are doing and how they are doing!

A nice habit that started organically in the #urban-brussels team.

Find a way to stay in touch and on top of work with your team. Some teams like to hang out in voice channels and play a tune, some teams like to greet each other every day and check in now and then. Find what feels good!

This also applies when in meetings; use your body language to react on video (if sound is not suitable) or use chat to confirm; there's nothing worse than talking into the void 🕳😅

In real life we nod or make listening sounds in conversations. Remote needs different ways of interacting!

Nodding is nodding

Ask for Help

Don't stay stuck in a loop for longer than 20 minutes. There's plenty of ways to ask for help, don't be afraid to ask for it! #osoc was built on helping each other out, so we encourage you to ask and give help.

👔⚖️⛹🏽‍♀️ Work-Life-Balance

Working can be a lot of fun, and the team dynamics are exhilarating. However, it is important to spend some time away from your screen; to reflect, recharge and give your brain some time to deal with the information throw at you every day.

Give your colleagues space to take a break, and make sure you turn off your notifications!

Make your desk your work-environment. Keep it neat, so you can focus on what you do best; creating kick-ass projects.

Eat somewhere else if you can, even if it's only half a meter away (we do not all have the luxury of different rooms, but if you can, go to a different room!). You can definitely take walks, and let in some fresh air in your office too 🌬

Take Regular Breaks

Regular breaks are a must. Make an agreement with your team on how you are going to take breaks. 👯‍♂️

You Do Not Have to Overwork

You don't have to be online, constantly chatting with your team, 24/7. It's fine to disconnect, it's encouraged and healthy.

Look out for each other ♥️it's okay to stop, especially on weekends and evenings!

Work Smoothly

Don't give 200% now, you'll be at 0% in the delivery week. Work at your own pace, so your colleagues can still count on you in the last week 🧘🏽‍♀️

🎳 Team Play

Team Work Makes the Dream Work

We've selected you and your teammates because we think you have the right skills to bring this project to life, and each and everyone of you has value to offer. That means your teammates need you. Take initiative and show us what you got!

Feeling a bit lost in your role? Speak up, ask for help! We are in this together.

When one of us shines, all of us shine. When you work together, magic happens.

Take the Wheel

The team gets to make decisions, and we expect you to take initiative. Coaches are here to protect/help you when situations gets hard, and to make sure you don't steer into an iceberg; but you are in charge as a student.

Take ownership, stand up! This project and its outcome is yours 🔥

Fun Fact: International Editions Are Possible When Remote

The upside of having a remote edition is that we can give international students or students that live in the outskirts of Belgium to take part in this edition. This gives us the chance to represent a broader audience as well, and reach more people.

Blackpink is also an international girl band, which is one of the driving powers of their success.

When working from home is not an option

Individuals

If you do not have stable internet at home, you can always use the office. During remote editions, we'll find a place for you in Brussels, during blended editions you can use the location that we are at that week. Please let your coach and coordinator know.

We unfortunately cannot reimburse you for your travel expenses on those days.

Insurance

Civil liability and workplace accidents apply to the students on our payroll.

🌊💦🚰💧🧊 Stay Hydrated

Drink Water 👌

Anything to add? Reach out to Miet on Discord.