Distributed, with Matt Mullenweg

Upwork’s Zoe Harte and Han Yuan on Managing People and Products in a Distributed Company

10 snips
Jul 11, 2019
Zoe Harte, Head of HR at Upwork, and Han Yuan, Senior VP of Engineering, share insights on managing a hybrid workforce. Zoe discusses integrating full-time and freelance talent, emphasizing the importance of diversity and collaboration in global teams. Han highlights essential soft skills for engineers in a distributed environment, stressing effective communication and cultural sensitivity. They explore innovative strategies for remote hiring and mentorship, providing practical tips to thrive in today’s flexible work landscape.
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ADVICE

Use Freelancers To Manage Expansion

  • Consider using freelancers to flexibly engage talent in new locations without huge legal overhead.
  • Freelance relationships help scale quickly with clear project goals and deadlines.
ADVICE

Be Intentional About Communication

  • Establish precise and regular communication cadences to connect teams and individuals.
  • Include all levels with periodic all-hands, team meetings, and one-on-ones.
ANECDOTE

Safety and Meetups in Distributed Work

  • Upwork organizes meetups where remote employees meet, often staying together to foster deeper connections.
  • Zoe emphasizes safety, especially for women, in housing during such meetups, with flexible accommodations.
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