IT HR подкаст 67 _ MASTER

Name: IT HR подкаст 67 _ MASTER
Uploaded: 2026-02-10T12:31:09.000Z
Duration: 2 h 42 min 40 s

Introduction to the Podcast

Opening Remarks

The hosts express a light-hearted atmosphere, indicating readiness to start the podcast.

They clarify that they are recording multiple audio tracks for quality assurance and potential editing needs.

Guest Introductions

Olesya introduces herself as the host and mentions the upcoming Charapi conference in St. Petersburg on June 19-20.

Kira introduces herself as the HR Director at Magnit Omni, detailing her role within a digital cluster of a well-known retail company.

Kira outlines various business units under her management, including e-commerce and loyalty programs, emphasizing their integration into Magnit Omni.

Experience Sharing from Guests

Olesya's Background

Olesya shares her experience as an ex-HR director at allinstrument.ru, highlighting her long tenure of 13.5 years in the DIY tools sector.

She notes that 70% of their revenue comes from B2B clients, showcasing the company's significant market presence with over 12,000 employees across Russia.

Transitioning to Current Topics

The conversation shifts towards discussing how HR professionals can balance work-life dynamics amidst changing workplace formats.

Discussion on Remote Work vs. Office Work

Initial Experiences with Remote Work

Olesya reflects on her first experience with remote work during the pandemic, noting how quickly teams adapted to new realities.

Company Policies on Remote Work

She explains that employees were allowed flexibility in choosing their work environment post-pandemic while maintaining some office presence for collaboration purposes.

Importance of In-Person Interaction

Olesya emphasizes the value of being physically present in an office setting for effective communication and team dynamics.

Understanding Remote Work Dynamics

The Importance of Non-Verbal Cues

The movement of hands is crucial for understanding a person's emotional state, especially in HR contexts.

A significant drop in an employee's office presence can indicate underlying issues, serving as a marker for engagement levels.

Early Experiences with Remote Work

The speaker shares their initial experience at Sky, where remote work was established before the pandemic.

At Sky, only 200-300 out of 1,000 employees worked in the office; the company culture was designed to support effective remote work.

Onboarding and Integration into Remote Culture

New hires received extensive guidance on thriving in a remote environment from day one.

The frameworks developed during pre-pandemic times were effectively reused when transitioning to new conditions during the pandemic.

Hybrid Work Preferences

The speaker expresses a preference for hybrid work models that allow flexibility between office and remote settings.

Connecting Offline and Online Teams

Despite being primarily remote, there were successful integrations with offline departments through automated systems and processes.

Team-building activities were essential for maintaining connections among team members across different working environments.

Transitioning from Offline to Online Work

Strategies for Effective Communication

Regular management practices ensured transparent communication within teams during the transition to online work.

Addressing Challenges of Remote Work

Companies provided resources to help employees balance home life with work responsibilities, particularly those with families.

Remote Work Adaptation and Employer Responsibilities

Natural Transition to Remote Work

The speaker reflects on the natural adaptation process to remote work, emphasizing that it wasn't a complete overhaul but rather an adjustment of existing practices.

Employee Support in Home Office Setup

The speaker stresses the employer's role in helping employees adapt their home environments for effective remote work, highlighting the importance of equipping them not just for tasks but also for daily life adjustments.

Balancing Responsibility Between Employers and Employees

There is a discussion about the shared responsibility between employers and employees, with a focus on employees taking initiative in their well-being while acknowledging that psychological support remains crucial.

Benefits of Offline Work Environments

Importance of In-Person Meetings

The speaker notes that critical team meetings are essential for collaboration, especially when discussing significant topics or decisions within teams.

Reading Team Dynamics

Being physically present allows HR professionals to gauge team members' emotional states more effectively, identifying stress levels or morale through non-verbal cues.

Interpersonal Relationships and Communication

Offline interactions facilitate quick discussions about personal issues among team members, fostering stronger relationships and immediate problem-solving opportunities.

Challenges of Managing Remote Teams

Motivational Aspects in Team Management

The speaker highlights how offline communication aids in motivating teams during challenging times by ensuring clarity around business initiatives and maintaining engagement.

Navigating Organizational Changes

With recent leadership changes impacting company dynamics, understanding new processes requires face-to-face interaction to grasp nuances effectively.

Efficiency of Offline Problem Solving

Quick Resolution of Issues

The ability to resolve complex issues swiftly through direct communication is emphasized as a key advantage of offline interactions compared to online settings.

Gathering Comprehensive Feedback

Engaging directly with stakeholders allows HR leaders to collect nuanced feedback quickly, ensuring all perspectives are considered in decision-making processes.

Hybrid Work Dynamics

Importance of In-Person Meetings

The necessity of in-person interactions is emphasized, as they foster a deeper understanding of the business environment and current challenges.

Meetings require prior arrangements, indicating that hybrid work necessitates careful scheduling to ensure attendance.

A clear signal for offline meetings is established when a meeting room is booked without online options, highlighting the preference for face-to-face interaction.

Weekly Team Calibration

A practice of holding brief weekly meetings (8:45 AM on Mondays) among top management helps align priorities and expectations for the week ahead.

These short sessions (5-10 minutes) allow team members to connect regardless of their working location, reducing misunderstandings about meeting formats.

Results-Oriented Work Culture

The primary focus should be on achieving results rather than strictly adhering to remote or in-office work policies; effectiveness is key.

Remote work suits roles with minimal personal communication, while certain discussions—like performance reviews—are deemed essential to conduct in person.

Value of Personal Interaction

Face-to-face meetings are crucial for significant discussions such as growth strategies and employee evaluations, enhancing engagement and retention of information.

Personal interactions amplify emotional connections that cannot be replicated online, making them vital for impactful communication.

Online Work Benefits

While advocating for offline interactions, there’s recognition that online work can accommodate various personal preferences and situations.

An experiment was conducted where sales teams were brought together physically to test if it would boost performance through competitive spirit.

This structured approach highlights the nuances of hybrid work dynamics discussed in the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

The Impact of Remote Work on Team Dynamics

Sales Performance and Team Satisfaction

Despite increased office rental costs and internet expenses, there was no significant improvement in sales results. Initial sales spikes were observed but quickly normalized.

The temporary increase in performance may not have been directly linked to returning to the office; other factors could have influenced these results.

Some team members expressed dissatisfaction with remote work, citing time lost commuting as a concern despite maintaining sales levels.

Remote work can match office productivity if it suits the individual’s comfort and profession, offering convenience and cost savings for employees who prefer to avoid commuting.

Personal Benefits of Remote Work

The speaker appreciates remote work for two main reasons: the ability to focus quietly on tasks and the flexibility to manage personal errands during the day.

Working remotely allows for better time management, enabling individuals to prepare for meetings without long commutes, thus enhancing overall energy levels throughout the day.

Physical Resource Management

Remote work saves physical resources by eliminating lengthy commutes that can drain energy before starting work.

Long commutes can lead to fatigue even before reaching the workplace, making remote work an appealing option for maintaining energy levels.

Challenges of Separation Between Work and Personal Life

For some individuals, remote work blurs boundaries between professional and personal life. It requires self-discipline to separate working hours from personal time effectively.

The speaker emphasizes establishing clear boundaries with technology (e.g., closing laptops at the end of the day), which helps maintain a healthy separation between work and home life.

Strategies for Preventing Burnout

Flexibility in scheduling meetings enhances communication efficiency while working remotely. Quick access to participants ensures timely information sharing.

Maintaining a balance between personal time and professional responsibilities is crucial; neglecting this balance can lead to burnout or depression if not managed properly.

Tips Learned from Experience

Learning from past experiences is vital; recognizing signs of burnout early can prompt necessary changes in routine or environment.

Implementing structured breaks (like short exercise sessions or walks with pets), along with setting reminders for task transitions, helps sustain energy levels throughout the day.

How to Maintain Mental Health While Working Remotely

Importance of Movement and Breaks

The necessity of movement during lockdown periods, emphasizing the importance of staying active even when confined at home.

Suggestion to schedule breaks between meetings to avoid back-to-back sessions, allowing time for workflow tasks or personal activities.

Nutrition and Mental Well-being

Discussion on the significance of nutrition while working remotely; healthy eating habits can significantly impact mental health.

Recommendations from Kira include exercising, having a pet, and maintaining a balanced diet as ways to enhance mental well-being.

Leading by Example

The role of leadership in setting an example for employees regarding work-life balance and self-care practices.

Acknowledgment that previously glorified overworking led to burnout; now there is recognition that rested employees are more productive.

Scheduling for Balance

Olena shares her approach to meticulous scheduling, planning every aspect of her life including weekends, which helps maintain balance.

Emphasis on evaluating how much time is allocated to work versus personal life and ensuring both areas receive attention.

Creative Development and Reflection

Highlighting the importance of creative pursuits alongside professional responsibilities for overall development.

Encouragement to reflect on one’s schedule regularly to ensure it includes not just basic needs but also inspiring activities that foster growth.

Self-Coaching Techniques

Discussion about visualizing future goals as a method for self-coaching; assessing current actions against desired outcomes can lead to more intentional living.

The practice of reflecting on one's state at the end of each month encourages accountability in maintaining mental health.

The Importance of Personal Connection in Remote Work

Calibrating Team Dynamics

Emphasizes the need for a conscious approach to team dynamics, suggesting that more awareness and connection should be integrated into work environments.

Sharing Valuable Experiences

A request for stories illustrating how personal approaches have positively impacted work situations, whether remote or in-office.

Critical Conversations

Highlights the significance of timely one-on-one conversations that can lead to employee retention, especially during critical moments when individuals may consider leaving the company.

Addressing Burnout

Discusses how young leaders often underestimate their resource limits, leading to burnout. Support is essential for maintaining well-being and productivity.

Effective Problem Solving

Notes that offline interactions facilitate quicker resolutions to issues compared to lengthy email exchanges, emphasizing the importance of direct communication.

Navigating Remote Work Challenges

Loss of Non-Verbal Communication

Points out the loss of non-verbal cues in online communication which can hinder effective collaboration and problem-solving.

Maintaining Team Cohesion

Reflects on how working remotely has changed workflows and stresses the importance of maintaining connections with team members despite physical distance.

Creating Informal Interactions

Suggests organizing informal activities as a way to replicate the spontaneous interactions found in an office setting, crucial for team bonding.

Innovative Approaches to Remote Engagement

Weekly Check-ins

Proposes casual Monday morning meetings where team members share weekend experiences as a way to foster connection without focusing on work objectives.

End-of-week Reflections

Recommends Friday evening gatherings for sharing challenges faced during the week, promoting openness and support among colleagues.

Creative Meeting Formats

Mentions successful practices like scheduling quiet work sessions via video calls where team members can focus while still feeling connected.

Virtual Collaboration and Remote Work Dynamics

The Nature of Virtual Offices

Discussion on the informal nature of virtual offices where team members work independently but can engage when needed, highlighting a blend of formality and informality.

Example from CNB illustrating how teams utilize virtual offices during critical deadlines, emphasizing the convenience of remote collaboration even when in-person work is possible.

Challenges and Rituals in Remote Work

Mention of frequent urgent deadlines that require collaborative efforts online, particularly for budget revisions, showcasing the pressure often faced by teams.

Reflection on the importance of physical presence and occasional face-to-face interactions to maintain team cohesion despite remote working conditions.

Enhancing Team Interaction

Emphasis on creating rituals to foster interaction among team members, addressing potential deficits in empathy and non-verbal communication in digital settings.

Suggestion to incorporate informal discussions at the beginning of meetings to build trust and connection among team members.

Importance of Personal Connection

Advocating for dedicated time slots within meetings to discuss personal matters, which can lead to identifying areas where colleagues may need support.

Highlighting how these personal exchanges can strengthen relationships and improve overall teamwork dynamics.

Effective Practices for Remote Work

Inquiry into life hacks for effective remote work; sharing experiences about maintaining productivity while ensuring enjoyment in tasks.

Description of team meetings that balance work-related discussions with personal topics, allowing space for emotional expression and stress relief.

Creative Team Engagement Activities

Introduction of offline strategy sessions that include non-work-related activities aimed at enhancing team bonding.

Sharing unique experiences such as cooking classes or art lectures organized by team members to promote engagement beyond typical work tasks.

Continuous Communication Strategies

Acknowledgment that regular communication is essential; however, flexibility exists based on current workloads or needs within the team dynamic.

Clarification that while structured time is important, it should allow for meaningful conversations rather than superficial check-ins.

Discussion on Team Dynamics and Remote Work

Importance of Team Well-being

The speaker emphasizes the significance of team members feeling good internally, as it directly impacts their performance.

Life situations affect individuals, highlighting the need for a supportive environment within the team.

An informal chat group is utilized to share memes, which helps in building camaraderie and reinforcing shared values.

Challenges with Large Teams

In larger teams, there are challenges related to maintaining engagement during video calls; reminders about camera usage are necessary.

The speaker notes that creating an inviting atmosphere through personal branding (e.g., wearing company merchandise) can enhance team spirit during remote meetings.

Camera Usage Norms

The importance of having cameras on during meetings is stressed; some meetings may be canceled if participants do not comply.

Within the speaker's own team, everyone understands the expectation to have cameras on, indicating a strong culture around this practice.

Modern Workplace Issues

A discussion arises regarding modern challenges in balancing remote work and office presence; questions about employees' reluctance to return to offices are posed.

The conversation shifts towards hiring practices that favor candidates who can work from locations with physical offices available.

Recruitment Trends and Office Presence

There’s a focus on hiring in cities where offices exist to encourage in-person collaboration among employees.

Concerns arise over job offers being declined if they specify only office work without hybrid or remote options included.

Shifts in Company Policies

Companies are adapting recruitment strategies based on employee preferences for hybrid or remote work arrangements.

The speaker reflects on how even attractive job offers can be rejected due to rigid office-only policies despite other appealing factors like interesting tasks and great leadership.

Broader Industry Observations

There’s mention of trends where companies forcefully bring employees back into offices but lack evidence that this improves productivity or results.

Acknowledgment that while remote work has its benefits, personal connections formed through office interactions remain crucial for fostering belonging within a company.

Remote Work Trends and Challenges

Dual Employment in Remote Work

The discussion touches on the phenomenon of individuals holding multiple remote jobs simultaneously, highlighting that this is easier to manage compared to traditional office settings.

Company Adaptations and Office Space Utilization

A trend among large companies is emerging towards maximizing efficiency in office spaces, with many reluctant to abandon physical locations due to high costs.

Companies are exploring ways to optimize their office layouts for better productivity, often leading to mandatory returns to the office despite challenges.

Meeting Space Limitations

A common issue faced by companies is a shortage of meeting rooms, which complicates both in-office and remote meetings.

Employees express reluctance to return to the office when they can conduct meetings remotely, especially if facilities are inadequate.

Importance of Personal Interaction

There’s an acknowledgment that personal contact and nuanced communication between team members are crucial for company effectiveness.

Flexibility in Work Formats

The conversation emphasizes that there are no inherently bad work formats; rather, success depends on achieving results through appropriate use of digital or offline spaces.

Each individual should choose a work format that best supports their engagement and goal achievement, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Conclusion of Discussion

The participants express gratitude for the engaging discussion about remote work dynamics and its implications for future practices.

An invitation is extended for listeners to attend an upcoming conference related to these topics.