How do you foster a strong work culture while experiencing rapid growth in a remote-first environment?

I had the very great pleasure of discussing this with Fernanda Alonso-Gautrais, Chief Human Resources Officer at online education platform, OpenClassrooms - which has grown explosively over the last few years.

As a mission-driven company seeking to make education accessible, OpenClassrooms now attracts some 300,000 students a month. It helps growing numbers of clients to analyse the labour market, identify skills shortages, and connect with mentors – growing talent through video sessions, online training, bespoke projects and individual mentoring.

Forming part of our TEDxStudio series, my conversation with Fernanda was inspiring for a whole host of reasons. In our 20-minute chat, she explains that while growth is exciting, it also comes with some very obvious challenges; stressing in particular the importance of fostering behaviours that enhance feelings of belonging and connection, both to one another and to a wider cause – and especially when operating a remote-first business model. Something I think we can all relate to in a very personal sense having lived through this global pandemic together.

Post-pandemic, ‘The Great Resignation’ and skill shortages have become a very real thing for many, with debate raging about the pros and cons of remote, hybrid and in-person working. Culture and connection is key, as is ‘treating people like adults’ fostering both trust and accountability. A stunningly simple concept that can be hard to deliver, especially at scale.?

Fernanda cuts right to the heart of the matter when she says that we need to create environments where people can ‘grow and shine’. In these environments, employees tend to choose to leave only when a better opportunity comes along – and when they do we must congratulate them for their successes, while thanking them for what they have achieved when they do.??

Watch this short video to find out more and I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. Thanks again, Fernanda!