Thriving Remotely: How Criterion.B Found Success Working From Anywhere

Building a High-Scale Remote Business

Is remote work the way of the future? At Criterion.B, we believe it already is!

Since January 2020, our entire team has been working remotely, and we haven’t looked back. This shift hasn’t just benefited our work-life balance, it’s actually helped us build a stronger, more connected team.

While working remotely is not a suitable avenue for all businesses, it can offer many benefits to small and large companies when executed correctly.

However, senior leadership often struggles with the real-world implications of building a remote team. How do you know your employees are working? Are there ways you can help them feel connected, even though they are miles apart?

These are the questions managers face when developing a remotely distributed team. Let’s dive into some of the major benefits of working remotely (plus, how it’s been successful for our team!)

1. Hiring Without Geographic Limitations

Working remotely allows companies to hire new members without geographic limitations. This enables them to hire the very best candidates globally without worrying about location restrictions. At Criterion.B, we have employees from coast to coast (literally in Alaska and all the way over to New York — plus several in between!)

Several studies have revealed that remote workers are happier and more productive than those working in an office. With so many distractions in today’s office world, employees ultimately work longer hours to compensate for lost time.

If you ask any member of our Criterion.B team what their impressions are of working remotely, they often answer: “I’m getting so much more work done!” If you can control your work environment, then you are more productive.

2. More Time for What Matters

Let’s face it — commuting can be a real time-sucker. By eliminating the daily grind, our team has gained valuable hours back in their day. This translates to increased productivity and the flexibility to tackle tasks when they feel most focused.

3. Closer Than Ever (Even When We’re Miles Apart)

Sure, we miss the occasional office snack break, but we’ve found creative ways to stay connected. We hold regular virtual team-building events, from epic online escape rooms to trivia nights fueled by friendly competition. And who says remote work means missing out on real-life interaction? Every year, we gather for a massive team-building retreat. This past year, we explored the scenic trails of Broken Bow, Oklahoma, tested our teamwork skills in a challenging escape room, and celebrated our accomplishments over delicious meals and drinks.

While we work independently, we never feel isolated. Our team chats are filled with lively discussions, from brainstorming sessions to sharing funny pet videos (because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good dog picture?). We even have dedicated Slack channels for shared interests, fostering a sense of camaraderie that goes beyond work projects.

4. Finding the Perfect Balance

Remote work isn’t just about convenience; it’s about empowering our team to thrive both personally and professionally. For example, some of our team members can now catch their kids’ soccer game without rushing out of the office or can feel confident in still getting their work done even when one of their kids is home sick from school.

Building a Culture of Trust and Transparency

Remote work hinges on trust. At Criterion.B, we empower our team members to manage their time effectively and hold them accountable for their results. We prioritize clear communication, using project management tools and frequent check-ins to keep everyone on the same page.

The Trust Factor

When working remotely, successful implementation all boils down to trust.

“How do you know when a person is working?” Well, how do you know they are working when they are in the office? Trust.

Ultimately, it’s all about trusting your remote workers. At Criterion.B, we trust our team but check in regularly. Whether through periodic check-ins to see what projects are on their plate or a weekly one-on-one video call, our team articulates their goals clearly and then follows up to track the employee’s work product.

A successful remote team requires effort and planning (by both the employees and leaders), but the rewards are undeniable. At Criterion.B, we’ve embraced the remote work revolution and are excited to see what the future holds for our distributed — yet incredibly close-knit — team.