How We Work: Fewer Meetings, More Check-Ins

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Jan 3, 2024

Discover how automatic check-ins revolutionize remote work at 37signals, enabling efficient work tracking. Learn about the benefits of individualized work descriptions, regular check-ins, and the impact on company culture and productivity.

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INSIGHT

Efficiency Through Automatic Check-Ins

Automatic check-ins replaced cumbersome, irregular status updates and meetings at 37signals.
They provide a simple, regular cadence for updates, improving transparency across a growing remote team.

ADVICE

Avoid Synchronous Status Meetings

Use automatic check-ins to eliminate status meetings that require synchronous time coordination.
Scan updates quickly to stay informed and stimulate organic interactions across remote teams.

INSIGHT

Direct Info Beats Management Filter

Traditional hierarchical status aggregation dilutes the accuracy and value of work updates.
Direct access to primary check-in sources preserves clarity and context at all organizational levels.

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Today, we're diving into a question that has piqued the curiosity of many of our listeners and clients: How exactly does 37signals keep track of all the moving pieces in a fully remote company with team members spread throughout the world?

The answer lies in our use of Automatic Check-ins, a tool embedded in Basecamp 3.0 that has revolutionized how we stay connected with what everyone is working on.

But how do these Automatic Check-ins work, and why are they so essential to the pulse of our remote work culture?

In this episode of Rework, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson join host Kimberly Rhodes to unveil the game-changing secrets behind 37signals' efficient work tracking system.

Listen in as Jason and David explore the harmony between Automatic Check-ins and remote work, contrasting it with the cumbersome nature of traditional status meetings. Plus, discover the tool's impact on transparency, productivity, and the unique ways it fosters organic interactions within the team.

Check out the full video episode on YouTube

Key Takeaways:

Uncover how Automatic Check-ins help liberate 37signals from the confines of traditional status meetings, providing a flexible and efficient way to share work updates.
Explore the seamless compatibility between automatic check-ins and remote work, allowing individuals to respond on their terms.
Delve into the unexpected motivation behind summarizing work, encouraging individuals to reflect meaningfully on their accomplishments.
Learn how the Automatic Check-ins tool's ability to link to other projects enhances collaboration, offering a quick overview of individual contributions.
Understand the practical leadership value of employing automatic check-ins, setting expectations for the team, and emphasizing the importance of regular communication.

Rework is a production of 37signals. You can find show notes and transcripts on our website. Full video episodes are available on YouTube and X.

If you have a question for Jason or David about a better way to work and run your business, leave us a voicemail at 708-628-7850 or email, and we might answer it on a future episode.

Links and Resources:

Basecamp Automatic Check-ins

Books by 37signals

HEY World | HEY

The REWORK podcast

The Rework Podcast on YouTube

The 37signals Dev Blog

37signals on YouTube

@37signals on X

37signals on LinkedIn