The hottest Remote work Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

The Covid Screwtape Letters - Part 4 - The "New Normal"

COVID Reason • 475 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Pandemic response Public Health Social Behavior Remote work Mental health
  1. Social distancing has made people feel more isolated and suspicious of each other. It's now hard for them to feel comfortable with close contact, like handshakes or hugs.
  2. Working from home sounds good, but it has turned into a way to control people's lives. They end up working more and feel stuck, as their home becomes like an office.
  3. People might miss in-person interactions, but they are being trained to prefer the convenience and safety of digital communication. This can make real connections feel uncomfortable.

The Loneliness Epidemic - Five Ways Employers Can Improve Belonging

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 341 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
💼 Business Workplace culture Remote work Productivity Human Resources
  1. Loneliness is a major issue at work, affecting both mental health and productivity. It's not just a personal problem but also a business problem that can lead to high turnover rates.
  2. Many young workers feel lonelier now, with fewer social connections compared to previous generations. This is concerning as strong social ties at work contribute to overall well-being.
  3. Employers can help reduce loneliness by creating environments that promote connection. This includes redesigning workplaces, using technology wisely, and training managers to support their teams with empathy.

Remote Site Growth Is Not A Conquest Game

Software Design: Tidy First? • 839 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Design Remote work Project management Growth Strategy Collaboration
  1. When growing a remote site, it's better to explore many projects at once rather than stick to just a few. This can help increase chances of success early on.
  2. Balancing between immediate growth and long-term profitability is key. Sometimes, a quick push in new projects can lead to bigger rewards down the line.
  3. Bringing in new talent to fresh projects can provide new ideas and perspectives. It's important to believe in their potential to contribute quickly.

The opportunity to rehumanise work

Make Work Better • 174 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💼 Business Work Culture AI Impact Remote work Employee Wellbeing
  1. More companies are exploring shorter work weeks, like a four-day work week, to improve employee satisfaction. This trend shows that businesses are starting to value work-life balance.
  2. Younger workers are more hopeful about using AI in the workplace, seeing it as a chance to enhance their skills and job prospects. In contrast, older workers often feel anxious about changes brought by technology.
  3. Organizations have the chance to create a better work culture by focusing on human and memorable aspects of their service. This shift could lead to happier employees and customers alike.

Social media malaise

My Home Office Hacks • 2 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
💼 Business Remote work Productivity Social media Workplace culture Subscription services
  1. Many people are feeling bored or less interested in social media lately. It's not just you if you find yourself using it less.
  2. A good read for those working from home is about improving feelings of belonging in the workplace. It's essential for your mental health and work vibe.
  3. If you want access to home office tips, there's a subscription deal ending soon. You can save money if you sign up before the price goes up.
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Shrinking Hierarchy

David Friedman’s Substack • 224 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Remote work Innovation
  1. Agoric institutions are where most people are self-employed and work together more like a community of entrepreneurs. This helps reduce reliance on traditional companies.
  2. Technological advancements are making it easier for individuals to create and share their work without the need for companies, like self-publishing or AI helping in content creation.
  3. As technology improves, it reduces costs and complexities of doing business. This means more people could work independently in the future, even if big companies still exist.

Five Reasons To Be Optimistic About Work in 2025

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 390 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
💼 Business Workforce Entrepreneurship Remote work Hiring Trends Economic Indicators
  1. Many employers plan to hire more workers, making 2025 a good year for job opportunities. This growth is seen globally, especially in countries like India and the U.S.
  2. The Misery Index, which measures economic discomfort, is low, suggesting overall economic conditions are relatively stable. However, it doesn't account for every hardship faced by workers.
  3. Remote work is becoming more common, giving people the flexibility to work in comfortable environments. Digital tools are also allowing individuals to create their own businesses, leading to more ways to earn money.

So you want to be a pirate, eh matey?

Jeff Giesea • 558 implied HN points • 14 Aug 24
💼 Business Employment Work Culture Remote work Gig Economy Career development
  1. Job-stacking is when people hold multiple full-time remote jobs at the same time, mainly in tech fields. Some think it's unethical because it can trick employers.
  2. Supporters argue job-stacking is okay as long as people do their jobs well and there are no secret issues. They feel the current job market is unreliable, so they find new ways to cope.
  3. The job landscape is changing, and job-stacking could be a sign that we need new work models. While not for everyone, it might push us to think differently about employment.

Smaller meetings are more productive than larger meetings

Respectful Leadership • 54 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
💼 Business Management Productivity Meetings Remote work Leadership
  1. Smaller meetings are better than larger ones because they keep people engaged. In big meetings, many attendees often feel bored or have nothing to contribute.
  2. You should only invite the people who are essential for the meeting. This helps everyone stay focused and avoid distractions from their actual work.
  3. Frequent large meetings can waste a lot of time. It's more effective to communicate via email or messages for announcements instead of gathering everyone together unnecessarily.

Bad Software Advice: Three Interesting Links #6

Bad Software Advice • 164 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software AI Management Remote work Documentation
  1. Documentation is important, but sometimes people struggle to keep it updated. A funny story shared highlights a case of trying to restore missing documents in a company.
  2. Remote work has its advantages, but it doesn't fit everyone's situation. Personal circumstances can greatly affect how well someone can work from home, and it's important to consider different perspectives on this topic.
  3. Incompetent management can sometimes still keep a company afloat if conditions are stable. However, if situations change, it can threaten the organization's survival.

Future of Work in 2024 – Latest Scores

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 244 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
💼 Business Workplace Freelancing Technology Remote work Automation
  1. In 2024, there were a lot of layoffs, mainly justified by technology and AI, which made the job market more competitive for workers.
  2. Freelancers became more common as many companies turned to them instead of hiring full-time staff, which made rates for their services drop.
  3. The debate about working from home shifted back to office work as companies started requiring employees to return to the office, which changed how people view remote work.

Wanna career? Move to the center!

Wednesday Wisdom • 132 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
💼 Business Career Advice Corporate strategy Work Culture Employee Development Remote work
  1. To boost your career, it's often best to move to the 'center' of power in a company. The best projects and biggest opportunities usually happen there.
  2. Being on the 'periphery' can lead to a satisfying career, but you may miss out on important projects and promotions. It might feel tough to get noticed from the outside.
  3. While working at the center can bring many advantages, it's important to choose what matters most to you. Sometimes a good quality of life is worth more than climbing the corporate ladder.

Desiderata #11: Or, the time I got ChatGPT to happily design a death camp

The Intrinsic Perspective • 8431 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Remote work Health Risks AI safety
  1. ChatGPT's capabilities include suggesting design for disturbing scenarios like a death camp.
  2. Remote work is associated with a recent increase in fertility rates, contributing to a fertility boom.
  3. The Orthogonality Thesis within AI safety debates highlights the potential risks posed by superintelligent AI's actions.

5 Big Questions for Work in 2025

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 97 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
💼 Business AI Impact Remote work Corporate culture Freelancing
  1. AI will change how we work by letting us have our own digital helpers for specific tasks. It's important to see if these tools will really help or just add noise to our work.
  2. The debate on whether remote work or office work is better is still ongoing. Some big companies are pushing workers back to the office, but studies show it doesn't always lead to better productivity.
  3. There's a rise in one-person businesses thanks to lower costs and faster technology. This gives individuals a better chance to create successful ventures without needing a big team.

From his brother's couch to $300/hour on Upwork

Kenny’s Sub • 179 implied HN points • 24 Jun 24
💼 Business Freelancing Entrepreneurship Marketing Consulting Remote work
  1. Starting as a freelancer on platforms like Upwork can lead to great success, as experienced by those who raised their rates significantly while building a solid reputation.
  2. Building a strong profile on Upwork is important because positive reviews and job history can make you more visible to clients, even if it costs you some fees.
  3. Handling difficult clients is part of freelancing; offering refunds quickly can help maintain your reputation when problems arise.

in-office work > remote work

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 07 Sep 24
💼 Business Workplace culture Remote work Career development Team Collaboration Productivity
  1. In-person work helps teams connect better and communicate more effectively. Many important interactions happen non-verbally, which can be lost in remote settings.
  2. Working in an office allows for quick collaboration and faster problem solving. Teams can discuss ideas and make decisions on the spot, speeding up project timelines.
  3. Remote work may suit experienced professionals or those prioritizing personal life. However, junior developers may benefit more from in-office environments to grow their careers.

I'm glad to be a 33 years old (ancient) software engineer

Sheep Code • 26 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Career AI Remote work Engineering
  1. You'll enjoy coding much more as you gain experience over the years. It might feel boring now, but in time, it will become something you love doing.
  2. You have the potential to earn a lot more than you think. With hard work and the right opportunities, a six-figure salary is very achievable.
  3. Being smart isn't the only key to success in tech. Being effective, working well with others, and solving problems can matter even more.

My work-life under threat by Amazon’s return-to-office mandate

Sheep Code • 67 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
💼 Business Work Culture Corporate Policy Employee Relations Remote work Career development
  1. Amazon announced that employees must return to the office five days a week, ending the hybrid work model. This change caused a lot of stress and uncertainty for many workers who had enjoyed remote work.
  2. The move to return to office signals bigger trends in the industry, with other companies likely following Amazon's lead. Many believe this decision might push talented employees to look for jobs elsewhere, but Amazon might prioritize diligent workers over talent.
  3. For those still working remotely at Amazon, it's important to plan ahead. If you want to stay in your role but can’t relocate, it's wise to think about your next steps and prepare for potential changes in your job situation.

Solving employee loneliness is the first step to better teams

Make Work Better • 114 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
💼 Business Workplace culture Employee engagement Leadership Organizational Behavior Remote work
  1. Employee loneliness is common at work, with many workers lacking real friends in their workplace. This loneliness can impact team dynamics and overall job satisfaction.
  2. Simply working in a team or attending the office more days doesn’t automatically reduce loneliness. Real connections need to be actively fostered during work hours.
  3. Companies can improve employee connection by allowing time for social interactions, like team lunches or casual meetings. These small initiatives can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness among coworkers.

RTO mandates tend to follow poor results

Make Work Better • 125 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
💼 Business Workplace culture Remote work Employee Rights Mental health
  1. Return-to-office rules often happen after companies see bad results. This suggests that there might be a link between poor performance and the push for employees to return to the office.
  2. Many people are facing burnout in their jobs, which can lead to serious thoughts about life. It's important to talk about mental health and the pressures of work.
  3. Companies are starting to pay more for jobs that require workers to be in the office, with some salaries increasing by around 20%. This shows a shift in how businesses value in-person work.

Briefing: Shopify Magic, Vision Pro Zoom, AX vs UX

Department of Product • 393 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Products AI Remote work Software Development Tech Companies
  1. MultiOn and Arc Browser are challenging the assumption that users interacting with products are human by automating browsing tasks
  2. Shopify introduced over 100 new product updates in its Winter Edition, including a media editor for generating product images instantly
  3. Google, PayPal, Zoom, TikTok, and OpenAI all revealed new features and products this week, showcasing advancements in technology

Programmer Collaboration Styles

Rethinking Software • 299 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Collaboration Open Source Remote work
  1. There are two main collaboration styles for programmers: individual stewardship and shared stewardship. Individual stewardship focuses on one person having full control, while shared stewardship means the whole team collaborates closely.
  2. Individual stewardship can lead to high-quality results because it allows for deep focus and mastery, but it might create knowledge silos. Shared stewardship promotes teamwork and knowledge sharing but may lead to average results due to differing skill levels.
  3. The right collaboration style can depend on the work being done. Tasks needing specialized skills might work better with individual stewardship, while general tasks benefit from shared stewardship and constant communication.

Code Reviews, Not Code Approvals

Rethinking Software • 299 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Remote work Project management Code Review Agile Methodology
  1. Asynchronous communication is key for remote work, allowing people to respond when they can without blocking others. This way, everyone can keep working on their own tasks without unnecessary interruptions.
  2. Traditional code reviews often act more like approvals, which can slow down progress and cause delays. It's better to think of them as a way to give feedback after code is deployed, not as a gatekeeping step.
  3. By changing code reviews to be more like reviews after deployment, teams can keep moving forward. This helps avoid bottlenecks and allows for quicker corrections and improvements in code.

ChatGPT, North Koreans, and America's Infrastructure

Of All Trades • 8 implied HN points • 17 May 25
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Remote work Engineering AI International relations
  1. North Korean remote IT workers are being used by the regime to earn foreign money, often through scams and cybercrime. They can make a lot of money for the government by working remotely.
  2. These workers are also stealing the identities of professional engineers to create fake design documents. This could lead to serious safety issues because the real engineers might be held responsible for bad work they didn't do.
  3. There's a concern that this situation could harm the future of remote design and national security. It's important to have strict systems to verify who is doing work and how to ensure public safety.

Navigating Attention-Driving Algorithms, Capturing the Premium of Proximity for Virtual Teams, & New AI Devices

Implications, by Scott Belsky • 530 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI Algorithms Remote work
  1. AI-powered algorithms are driving polarization by optimizing for attention-grabbing content, widening the surface area of topics that stoke anger.
  2. Our social media feeds are now sourced from algorithmic preferences rather than social networks, shaping the content we are exposed to.
  3. The benefits of physical proximity in fostering creativity and relationships for teams will lead to the emergence of new technologies and management strategies supporting hybrid and remote work environments.

Engineering management in the next unicorn app

Leading Developers • 65 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
💼 Business Startup Management Leadership Remote work Product Development
  1. A great remote team relies on hiring independent and motivated people. This way, there's less need for management and everyone takes ownership of their work.
  2. Launching a product takes time and patience. It's important to experiment and iterate rather than rushing to get features out.
  3. Growing a startup doesn't mean you have to hire a lot of new people right away. Instead, focus on what the market needs before expanding your team.

Recruiting Brainfood - Issue 334

Recruiting Brainfood • 569 implied HN points • 05 Mar 23
💼 Business Recruiting Jobs Economy AI Remote work
  1. Maintain a multi-channel approach to audience building to mitigate risks of being removed from platforms like LinkedIn
  2. Stay informed about emerging trends like the Creator Economy and prioritize personal branding with effective LinkedIn headlines
  3. Recognize that platforms like TikTok are becoming increasingly influential, especially for Gen Z, impacting employer branding and recruitment strategies

Please take our programming assessment with an LLM

Creating Value from Nothing • 185 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering AI Product Remote work
  1. Clipboard Health is using real-case programming problems in their hiring process. This helps them see how candidates actually work and fit into their async work culture.
  2. They believe that using LLMs, like chatbots or AI tools, is okay during assessments. They see these tools as standard parts of a modern engineer's toolkit, not as cheats.
  3. By allowing LLM use, they hope to create better assessments that truly evaluate a candidate's skill, helping to find the best engineers for their team.

Glassdoor may hate us, but here’s why our employees love us

Creating Value from Nothing • 159 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
💼 Business Human Resources Hiring Process Company Culture Remote work
  1. The company uses case studies in the hiring process to gauge candidates' writing skills, which are essential in their remote work environment. They want to see how well candidates can communicate their ideas.
  2. Feedback from employees is collected through surveys and stay interviews to understand their experiences and improve the company. This helps the company avoid becoming too corporate and stay aligned with its values.
  3. The hiring process is designed to be fair and based on talent rather than connections or credentials. While some may find it tough, it aims to find the best fit for the company.

It's Companies' Fault we don't want to Return to the Office

startupdreams • 1165 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
💼 Business Workplace culture Remote work Corporate Responsibility
  1. Open office floor plans were introduced to reduce costs but can be detrimental to employees' performance.
  2. Working from home brought autonomy and productivity to many employees, making them reluctant to return to the office.
  3. Companies that force employees back to the office may face consequences like decreased productivity and losing top talent.

The Lightness of Unscheduled Calls

Register Spill • 196 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Collaboration Remote work Culture Communication Programming
  1. Collaboration without elaborate scheduling can feel light and spontaneous, leading to a more open and fluid work environment.
  2. Embracing unscheduled calls and spontaneous pairing sessions can foster better knowledge transfer and idea exchange among team members.
  3. Using tools that support easy and on-the-fly collaboration can significantly impact the culture and productivity of a remote team, making workdays feel full of possibilities rather than meetings.

On Work.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 27 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Work Culture Remote work Future Trends Leadership Organizational Design
  1. Work is a big part of our lives. It gives us money, identity, and community, plus it helps us grow and find purpose.
  2. We're going to see big changes in how we work because of technology and shifting mindsets. Many people will start freelance jobs or want more flexibility in their work.
  3. It's important for both employees and companies to rethink what work means and how they can adapt. This includes updating skills, structures, and strategies to thrive in the future.

The Four-Day Work Week

Diane Francis • 539 implied HN points • 27 Apr 23
💼 Business Workplace Trends Labor Market Remote work Employee Wellbeing
  1. Many workers now prefer a four-day work week due to changes in work attitudes and the rise of remote jobs. This shift has been supported by research showing that shorter weeks can boost productivity.
  2. With younger generations valuing flexibility and work-life balance, there's a demand for part-time work and more vacation time. Many young people would rather have multiple jobs than just one full-time position.
  3. This movement isn’t just about shorter work weeks; employees also want benefits like better maternity leave, remote work options, and geographic flexibility. The pandemic has greatly influenced these changes in worker expectations.

Why Companies are Turning on Remote Work [Finance Fridays]

Technology Made Simple • 139 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
💼 Business Remote work Finance Productivity Real Estate Management
  1. The remote work vs in-person debate is becoming more divisive with many companies now choosing to return to in-person work.
  2. Financial reasons such as increased turnover due to layoffs, real estate investments, and management preferences are driving companies to push for in-person work.
  3. Despite the preference for traditional office culture, studies show remote work can be just as productive, inclusive, and even boost creativity and performance.