To understand the potential of remote work, look no further than GitLab, the open-source software developer that has operated on a fully remote basis for years, and currently employs more than 1,200 people in 65 countries. Years ago, GitLab’s model was an outlier, requiring the company to develop new tools and protocols to allow employees to communicate and collaborate effectively across time zones. New hires receive a sprawling employee handbook that details best practices for everything from Slack bots and watercooler chats to guidelines for throwing a virtual pizza party. … [Read more...] about The office as we know it is over—and that’s a good thing
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Why Big Tech’s swift reaction to the Capitol riot is a threat to democracy
Indeed, hundreds of Twitter employees militated to de-platform Trump in the wake of the Capitol uprising—against the misgiving of CEO Jack Dorsey. Facebook employees staged a virtual walkout last summer over the company’s handling of Trump posts that they saw as inciting violence. And employee activism at Amazon helped get Parler booted. … [Read more...] about Why Big Tech’s swift reaction to the Capitol riot is a threat to democracy
Want to succeed in design and business? Support women
JB: Having a diverse workforce builds company value and makes companies sustainable and better positioned for recruiting top talent. Many white male-dominant companies are realizing their lack of diversity is causing internal and external problems. Women in particular have a different way of thinking and problem solving. When women are in a room helping to make decisions, the best solutions will always emerge. Because I am a woman, a mother, and a woman who was raised by a single mom, I look for a social and economic justice angle when I’m working on any project with any of my clients. Will it help save someone’s life who is underrepresented? Is there a woman on the client side who I can help win? Can I help her get a job, make money, be successful, and feel like she is being seen? … [Read more...] about Want to succeed in design and business? Support women
Hollywood is redefining Peak TV—for better and for worse
Often utilized for historical portraits and dramas, the limited series format has been, well, limited in the number of genres that get the most play. However, one need only to look at British TV to understand how full story arcs can be executed in a handful of episodes across a variety of genres. Take Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag or Michaela Coel’s Chewing Gum, both quick-witted comedies featuring a dozen episodes over two seasons—comparable to one season of current American TV. … [Read more...] about Hollywood is redefining Peak TV—for better and for worse
4 steps companies should take in the aftermath of January 6
Denounce the acts of sedition at the Capitol While this seems like an obvious step, many organizations struggle with the idea of having to issue a statement denouncing violent and supremacist actions each time events occur. It feels redundant and can be daunting to draw more negative attention from customers and clients who oppose the stance or who believe commerce and governmental/political affairs should be kept separate. But that shouldn’t stop companies from communicating their views clearly. “What many organizations don’t realize is that while they’re playing safe, neutrality communicates a position that your employees hear loudly,” says Charlie Pleasant, founder and CEO of Pleasant Coaching and Consulting, and who serves as a crisis counselor to organizations after traumatic events. … [Read more...] about 4 steps companies should take in the aftermath of January 6