How to Build a People-First Culture in Remote Teams

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In today's episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we welcome Katya Laviolette , Chief People Officer at 1Password .

Katya shares insights into scaling a remote-first, high-growth company while preserving a unique, people-centered culture. She discusses the role of resilience, intentional onboarding practices, and the importance of transparency in hiring for a fully remote company.

Watch the full episode by clicking below ??

In this episode, Katya discusses:

??? Building Resilient and Innovative Teams

→ Katya explains the importance of resilience and iteration in a fast-paced environment.

?? Intentional Onboarding for Remote Work

→ Discover how 1Password’s unique onboarding supports employees in a remote-first setting.

?? Transparency in Hiring for Long-Term Success

→ Why creating realistic job previews sets employees and the organization up for mutual success.

?? Balancing Flexibility with Accountability

→ Learn how 1Password keeps teams engaged and responsible, even from afar.

?? What advice Vanessa had for future HR leaders:

"Resilience, transparency, and a realistic approach to hiring are key to building strong teams. It's essential to set clear expectations and create an environment where employees can thrive."

"Prioritize intentional onboarding. The first days set the tone for an employee's journey—make sure they feel connected, supported, and aligned with your culture from the start."

?? Additional Insights: Building a Resilient, Transparent, and Engaged Remote Workforce

As more organizations prioritize a remote-first model, here are key strategies for successfully scaling a remote workforce, supported by recent industry research:

1. Building Resilient Teams in High-Growth Environments

→ In high-growth companies, resilience and adaptability are essential. Research by McKinsey highlights that resilient teams are 60% more likely to deliver high performance in fast-paced environments. This resilience fosters innovation, which is crucial as organizations navigate constant change.

2. Intentional Onboarding for Remote Success

→ Effective onboarding is crucial for remote teams. According to the report, structured onboarding processes improve employee retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%. Personalized onboarding that integrates organizational values helps remote employees feel connected, even from afar.

3. Transparency in Hiring for a Remote-First Culture

→ Transparency from the start ensures that new hires align with company values and expectations. SHRM’s 2023 report on remote work found that providing realistic job previews and discussing remote expectations openly reduces turnover by up to 30%, helping new employees better prepare for remote work challenges.

4. Balancing Flility

→ Flexible work is highly valued, but accountability is essential for maintaining engagement and performance. A Deloitte study reveals that companies promoting both flexibility and clear accountability frameworks see 25% higher employee satisfaction. For remote teams, clearly defined goals and regular check-ins foster a culture of accountability without sacrificing the freedom that remote work offers.

5. Supporting Mental Health and Well-being in a Remote-First Setting

→ Remote work can blur boundaries, making self-care and mental health support critical. LinkedIn’s Workforce Confidence Index notes that 42% of remote employees report better mental health when supported by company wellness initiatives. Organizations that prioritize mental health support see a 30% boost in employee engagement and overall satisfaction.

?? You might be interested in:

This episode covered so many important topics, here's an additional resource for you to dive a bit deeper:

• Get proven ROI at every stage with the all-together hiring platform.
• (Start for FREE) Get instant answers to any HR questions with the world's AI copilot for HR
• A recent episode of the HR Leaders podcast covering "How to Builds Strong Teams with Career Conversations"

?? We couldn't do it without you!

Thank you to Katya Laviolette for sharing her time, expertise, and vision with our listeners.

Also our episode and series sponsor, Greenhouse and their brilliant team Daniel Chait , Carin Van Vuuren (she/her) , Trenton Kenagy , and Robin Cornuelle and Kelsey Bernert at Daybreak Studio .

None of this would be possible without Shane Kemp , James Elwell , Rio André , Kenneth Browne and the team at HR Leaders and atlas copilot for bringing the podcast to life.

Thank you to our previous guests: Vanessa Iloste, Pat Wadors, Parker Mitchell, Nicole Peace, Bill Agostini, Joelle Emerson, Paaras Parker, Luke Wynne, Jon Stross, Larry Emond, Tony Buffum, Jennifer Moore, Matthew Hamilton, Debra Corey, and many more.

?? Join us at our next event:

1. How to Build a Human-Centred Workplace That Thrives Through Feedback and Recognition - 7 November
2. How to Navigate Workforce Transformation at Scale: Empowering Leadership and Employees - 14 November
3. How to Develop a Comprehensive Roadmap for Skills-Based Transformation - 20 November

P.S. If you like the HR Leaders podcast, help us grow the show by rating us on Apple or Spotify ??, or share this with a friend or colleague ??.