The hottest Remote work Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Covidnomics

Diane Francis • 359 implied HN points • 12 Aug 21
💼 Business Remote work
  1. The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped how we work. More people are preferring remote work, leading to changes in workplaces and housing preferences.
  2. Many workers are quitting their jobs to prioritize safety and better work-life balance. This trend is forcing companies to adapt by offering flexible work options.
  3. Labor has gained more power, pushing for better pay and working conditions. This has led to higher wages and changes in benefits across various industries.

My Path to CTO, Part II

The Engineering Manager • 6 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Remote work
  1. Understanding how to get hired for CTO roles is important since these positions aren't always advertised. It helps to know the recruitment process.
  2. Choosing a company like Shopify allowed for personal growth and aligned with lifestyle goals. Picking the right job is key to happiness.
  3. Economic changes can shift company culture, and personal milestones like becoming a parent can lead to tough career choices. Connections made in the past can open new doors.

The Wile E. Coyote Illusion

The Ruffian • 276 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
💼 Business Remote work
  1. Economies can experience a 'Wile E. Coyote moment' where everything seems fine but is about to crash.
  2. Working-from-home (WFH) might seem productive at first, but lack of in-person interaction can lead to long-term issues.
  3. The 'Wile E. Coyote illusion' can be seen in various contexts, such as relationships, consumer markets, and AI development.

The future of work: Pt 1:

The Jolly Contrarian • 39 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
💼 Business Remote work
  1. Lockdown during the pandemic was a chance to test new ways of working and learn important lessons for the future of work.
  2. The discussion around the future of office work is divided between those who believe everything has changed and those who advocate for returning to the traditional office setting.
  3. Human systems and behaviors are complex, and real change in the commercial world takes time to unfold as it depends on deep-seated cultural layers and incentives.

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

Sheep Code • 67 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
💼 Business Remote work
  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.
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Smaller meetings are more productive than larger meetings

Respectful Leadership • 54 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
💼 Business Remote work
  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.

The "Coffee Badging" Resistance | #254

Boundless by Paul Millerd • 168 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
💼 Business Remote work
  1. Return to office campaigns might not align with employee preferences and can lead to frustrations.
  2. Companies facing remote work challenges often have deeper issues related to culture and mission.
  3. Forcing employees back to the office may not necessarily result in improved productivity, as highlighted by the concept of 'coffee badging'.

Unleashing the Power of AI to Improve Communication Skills📊🤌

Work3 - The Future of Work • 39 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
💼 Business Remote work
  1. Soft skills, like communication, are crucial for career success and are highly valued by employers.
  2. Remote work and video interactions have increased, requiring adaptation in communication style to build relationships effectively.
  3. AI tools like Poised can provide real-time feedback on communication skills, helping individuals improve and track their progress.

RDEL #1: What’s the best way for eng teams to communicate via Slack?

Research-Driven Engineering Leadership • 39 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Remote work
  1. Effective communication in engineering teams via Slack involves 'burstiness', quick and synchronous messaging followed by periods of silence.
  2. Research shows that 'bursty' communication styles correlate with higher team performance in distributed software engineering teams.
  3. To improve team 'burstiness', managers can observe current communication styles, consider time zone overlaps, and foster a culture of synchronous collaboration.

Engineering management in the next unicorn app

Leading Developers • 65 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
💼 Business Remote work
  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.

How Often Should You Visit Your Remote Team?

Kartick’s Blog • 17 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
💼 Business Remote work
  1. It's best to visit your remote team for a week every quarter. This helps maintain good relationships and teamwork.
  2. If you're traveling across many time zones, consider staying longer, like 2-3 weeks, to adjust to the time difference.
  3. Regular in-person meetings strengthen connections and improve productivity, so make it a priority to meet face-to-face when possible.

The Company Wants You Back in the Office – RESIST!

Anxiety Addiction & Ascension • 39 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
💼 Business Remote work
  1. Many employees prefer working from home for the flexibility it offers in their lives and are hesitant to return to the office for multiple days per week.
  2. Companies are facing challenges convincing workers to return to the office due to changing preferences and economic factors like labor shortages.
  3. Employees have some leverage to resist returning to the office and should consider continuing to work from home to maintain their independence and strength.

A record-breaking 2025

My Home Office Hacks • 2 implied HN points • 29 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Remote work
  1. Working from home gives you extra freedom to get outside your routine and find meaningful experiences beyond the house or your desk.
  2. Starting an outside-the-box personal project can bring people together, honor loved ones, and sometimes lead to unexpectedly big outcomes like a community record.
  3. Small comforts and rituals—like a monitor light and focused music—make the home office more comfortable and help you concentrate.

Are culture change programs really destined to fail?

Make Work Better • 98 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
💼 Business Remote work
  1. The belief that 70% of culture change programs fail is not supported by valid evidence, so there is hope to succeed with your own initiative.
  2. Deutsche Bank implemented a unique policy to ban Fridays at home followed by Mondays due to concerns about office efficiency.
  3. Culture within a workplace starts with the people and their behaviors, and sometimes addressing cultural issues may involve removing individuals who do not align with the desired culture.

Compromise is the only way to make hybrid stick

Make Work Better • 157 implied HN points • 05 May 23
💼 Business Remote work
  1. Compromise is essential to make hybrid work successfully in organizations.
  2. Stricter office time policies are being implemented by some organizations to foster teamwork and connectedness among employees.
  3. Younger workers may be facing challenges with remote work, such as lack of feedback and understanding workplace norms.

The metaverse is a cubicle

Metal Machine Music by Ben Tarnoff • 119 implied HN points • 30 Nov 21
🕹 Technology Remote work
  1. The concept of the metaverse has been around for some time, but current advancements in technology and societal shifts due to the pandemic may pave the way for its potential realization.
  2. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are becoming more prevalent, with the COVID-19 pandemic playing a significant role in reshaping white-collar work dynamics and preferences.
  3. The metaverse has the potential to become the new organizational architecture for white-collar work, balancing the needs and desires of both employers and employees in a digital environment.

How to love the office

Make Work Better • 136 implied HN points • 19 Apr 23
💼 Business Remote work
  1. Employees are happiest and most productive when they have control over their work environment.
  2. Technology like AI is changing the way we work and collaborate.
  3. Face-to-face interactions in the office are crucial for communication, learning, and innovation.

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

Sheep Code • 26 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Remote work
  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.

RDEL #12: How to improve WFH for software engineers

Research-Driven Engineering Leadership • 19 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Remote work
  1. Improving connectivity and providing better hardware are key for sustained productivity while working from home for software engineers.
  2. Consider providing stipends for internet and a WFH environment setup (hardware, ergonomic furniture) to help engineers create an office-like environment at home.
  3. Creating blocks of uninterrupted 'deep work' time and minimizing meetings can significantly boost productivity and focus for software engineers working remotely.

Answer three questions to make remote work productive for your company

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 19 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
💼 Business Remote work
  1. It's important for companies to measure performance at individual, team, and organizational levels. This helps make sure everyone is contributing to their goals.
  2. Culture matters a lot in remote work. A strong culture can keep workers connected and motivated, even when they are not in the same physical space.
  3. Employee satisfaction is key. Happy employees are usually more productive, so companies should focus on what makes their workers feel valued and fulfilled.

AirBnB sends employees Home

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 30 Apr 22
🕹 Technology Remote work
  1. Remote work is becoming more common and offers numerous benefits, so mastering skills like Cyber Security can be advantageous.
  2. Efficient data compression and transmission can save companies money in the era of remote work, making it a valuable skill to develop.
  3. As more interactions shift to digital platforms, learning to create interactive content or platforms for remote communication can present lucrative opportunities.

It ends today

My Home Office Hacks • 7 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Remote work
  1. Celebrating a birthday through personal challenges can create lasting memories. Playing catch to honor a loved one can bring friends and family closer.
  2. Giving back to the community is important and can make a difference. Donations to youth programs can help many young people.
  3. New technology can make everyday tasks easier. Using apps on phones can help improve photos without a lot of hassle.

On Work.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 27 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Remote work
  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 New Geography of American Growth

Apricitas Economics • 66 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
💰 Finance Remote work
  1. Economic growth in the US post-pandemic has shifted towards states like Florida, Texas, and the American South and Mountain West.
  2. Remote work has driven population influxes to states like Idaho and Arizona, resulting in significant economic booms.
  3. Florida and Texas have seen impressive job growth and have become major contributors to overall US GDP and job gains.

Level Up Your Video Meetings: The Game-Like Magic of Virtual Frosted Glass App

MeetingGlass Substack • 1 HN point • 22 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Remote work
  1. The MeetingGlass app makes video meetings feel more real and engaging. Its frosted glass design adds elegance and privacy, making discussions more comfortable.
  2. It includes fun, game-like features that liven up long meetings. This makes it easier to stay focused and enjoy conversations with teammates.
  3. The app is easy to use for everyone, regardless of tech skills. It helps improve communication and creativity in remote work settings.

✅ How can we level up regional public relations in the UK?

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
💼 Business Remote work
  1. Public relations grew significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, but now it's slowing down, especially in London where the number of practitioners is rising fast compared to other regions.
  2. Many PR professionals moved out of London to smaller cities during the pandemic, but as remote work decreases, people are returning to the capital, leading to a strong community outside London but still much smaller.
  3. Diversity in public relations is key, as it should reflect the communities it serves. The rising cost of living in London makes it hard for newcomers, which raises questions about how to support more equitable growth across the UK.

Remembering GitHub's office

Monomythical • 93 implied HN points • 28 May 23
🎭️ Culture Remote work
  1. GitHub's office closure reflects changes in hybrid and remote work environments.
  2. Startup offices in San Francisco were once cultural gathering places.
  3. GitHub aimed for its office to be better than working from home.

Three ways to reduce the noisy office productivity tax

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
💼 Business Remote work
  1. Open-plan offices can hurt productivity because they are noisy and full of distractions. People find it hard to concentrate with so much background chatter.
  2. Introverts and extroverts have different needs in work environments. Introverts thrive in quiet spaces, while extroverts enjoy lively surroundings.
  3. To improve focus and satisfaction at work, companies should consider flexible working options, train managers to understand these differences, and create specific areas for quiet work and collaboration.

The Covid-19 Guide To Profiting From Boredom

Day One • 139 implied HN points • 21 Apr 20
💼 Business Remote work
  1. During times of boredom, focus on feeding your mind with productive inputs to harness the power of your brain.
  2. In the midst of challenges, find opportunities to create and profit, just like individuals who launched successful initiatives during the pandemic.
  3. Use periods of hibernation or slowdowns to study, learn, and enhance your skills for future success.

ChatGPT, North Koreans, and America's Infrastructure

Of All Trades • 8 implied HN points • 17 May 25
🕹 Technology Remote work
  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.

Allow people to turn their cameras off, to fight Zoom fatigue

UX Psychology • 39 implied HN points • 18 Oct 21
🏥 Health & Wellness Remote work
  1. Using a camera during virtual meetings can be fatiguing, especially for women and newcomers.
  2. Zoom fatigue can be caused by excessive close-up eye gaze, cognitive load from deliberate nonverbal cues, self-evaluation from staring at oneself, and limited physical mobility.
  3. Allowing people to turn their cameras off in virtual meetings can help fight Zoom fatigue, particularly benefiting women and new employees by reducing the pressure to manage appearances.