Creating a thriving remote workplace - Insights from Rhona and Bruce Aylward of Psoda

Rhona Aylward, Deputy Everything Officer and Bruce Aylward, Chief Everything Officer at Psoda, have crafted a blueprint for a thriving digital workplace. Their shared strategies and individual insights paint a picture of how remote work can transcend traditional boundaries to foster a vibrant, connected, and resilient workforce.

This is one of a series of Stories from the Field, resources and insights from tech industry professionals, shared to help employers of interns and grads shape and grow our industry.

Bruce, Rhona and the Psoda team (a few years ago, from this awesome NZHerald article)

Reinventing Workspace Culture in the Digital Age

Rhona mentions that Psoda was "remote-first from the minute we started." This allowed them to shape a digital-first culture that naturally accommodates remote working. Bruce also touched on how Psoda had to adapt when traditional expectations of having an office space were prevalent, emphasising their early adoption of a remote-first approach. They champion a culture that leverages remote work to enhance inclusivity and accessibility, reflecting a modern workplace that transcends geographical boundaries.

Rhona stresses the importance of a robust cultural foundation, "At Psoda, our culture isn't just part of the company's operations; it is the company." This philosophy underpins their approach to remote work, where cultural values are not only preserved but also enhanced in a virtual environment. Bruce builds on this by emphasising the need for consistent engagement, "Our daily stand-up meetings are vital for maintaining team morale and ensuring everyone feels connected, regardless of their location." Together, they champion a culture that transcends physical boundaries, making the digital workspace a realm of opportunity for innovation and inclusion.

Onboarding: The Foundation of Remote Success

Onboarding at Psoda involves more than just setting up technology; it’s about integrating new hires into the company culture and community from day one. Rhona and Bruce ensure that each new team member receives a warm and thorough introduction to the company. "We aim to make the virtual front door as welcoming as the physical one," Rhona explains, ensuring that every new hire is emotionally and culturally integrated from day one. Bruce details the operational side: "We focus on integrating new hires into our systems immediately, ensuring they feel part of the team right from the start." Their meticulous approach guarantees that onboarding is not just about administrative tasks but is a comprehensive experience that builds long-term engagement.

Cultivating a Virtual Community of Engaged Professionals

Rhona and Bruce emphasise the importance of maintaining a virtual community through regular and structured interactions, as well as impromptu social gatherings. Bruce discusses how they "play ping pong on our boardroom table...and we kind of missed that."  Bruce adds a practical perspective, "Hosting virtual trivia nights and online gaming sessions helps keep our team spirit vibrant." They adapted by integrating online quizzes and virtual meetups, which help replicate the casual office interactions that are crucial for team bonding and maintaining a cohesive team spirit. Creating a sense of community is crucial in a remote setting. "Our virtual coffee breaks and team challenges are essential threads in our social fabric," Rhona notes, highlighting the importance of informal interactions that strengthen team bonds. 

Flexibility and Work-Life Harmony

Psoda's commitment to flexibility is a cornerstone of their operational philosophy. "Life doesn’t operate on a 9-5 schedule," Rhona remarks, advocating for policies that accommodate diverse lifestyles and personal commitments. Bruce reflects on how this flexibility is implemented, "Encouraging the team to manage their schedules around personal commitments enhances productivity and well-being." Their approach respects individual needs while ensuring that professional responsibilities are met, promoting a balance that benefits both the employee and the company.

Innovation and Continuous Learning

Innovation is at the heart of Psoda's strategy. "We are committed to continuous improvement, always seeking new ways to enhance our operations," says Rhona. Bruce discusses their proactive stance towards technology and process enhancement, "We constantly explore new tools and methodologies that can streamline our workflows and enhance the remote work experience." This focus on innovation ensures that Psoda not only adapts to the changing landscape of work but often leads the way in setting new standards for operational excellence in a remote context.

The Personal Touch: Humanising the Remote Experience

The personal touch is what sets Psoda apart in a digital-first world. "Small gestures like sending coffee or celebrating birthdays virtually make a significant difference in how connected our team feels," Rhona points out. Bruce elaborates on how these gestures are implemented, "Ensuring that these personal touches reach every team member helps to bridge the gap between digital and personal interaction, making everyone feel valued and appreciated." These efforts are crucial for maintaining a personal connection within the team, reinforcing that behind every screen is a valued member of the Psoda family.

Nurturing Leadership and Growth

Leadership development is integral to Psoda’s ethos. "We encourage every team member to lead from their position, fostering a culture of initiative and ownership," Rhona says. Bruce adds, "Supporting team members to take charge of projects and ideas not only accelerates growth but also spurs innovation." By cultivating an environment where leadership is nurtured at all levels, Psoda ensures that their team is equipped to face challenges creatively and effectively.

Through these expanded strategies, Rhona and Bruce have crafted a remote working model at Psoda that exemplifies a dynamic, inclusive, and productive workplace. Their comprehensive approach serves as a blueprint for other organisations striving to optimise their remote work practices, illustrating that with thoughtful leadership and a commitment to culture, remote work can be an enriching and successful experience.