Building a Remote-First Workplace Culture at LTK

Patricia Gonzales, the chief people officer at LTK, a creator-economy startup, recently shared insights with Business Insider on how the company has transitioned to a remote-first work culture and adapted to support its employees and new hires.

Embracing Remote Work Across the US

While headquartered in Dallas, LTK has embraced remote work, employing individuals from various locations across the United States. Despite having a physical office in Dallas, the majority of LTK’s workforce operates remotely. With over 800 employees, including roles such as analytics and insights managers, consultants, and account managers, the company prioritizes productivity and flexibility, allowing employees to work from wherever they feel most comfortable.

Accessing Talent Everywhere

Transitioning to a remote-first approach has enabled LTK to tap into talent pools beyond its local vicinity. By eliminating geographical constraints, the company can recruit individuals based on skills and qualifications rather than proximity to a physical office. Patricia Gonzales emphasized the advantage of this approach, stating, “What that allowed was we had access to talent everywhere, rather than limiting ourselves to a local office.”

Fostering Connection through Events

To maintain a sense of community and connection among its dispersed workforce, LTK organizes monthly events and virtual gatherings. These include traditional company celebrations like anniversaries and annual kickoffs, designed to emulate conference-style collaboration opportunities. Additionally, the company hosts virtual gatherings such as Slack celebrations for personal milestones and monthly all-hands meetings to keep employees informed and engaged.

Setting Clear Objectives for Alignment

At the beginning of each year, LTK sets annual objectives encompassing sales targets, revenue goals, and strategies for creator growth. These objectives serve as guiding principles for departments, teams, and individuals, ensuring alignment with the company’s overarching vision. Employees are also encouraged to establish personal objectives aligned with company goals, fostering clarity and direction in a remote environment. Regular reviews and adjustments help maintain focus and productivity, providing a sense of purpose amidst organizational growth.

Encouraging Visual Presence in Meetings

Acknowledging the challenges of remote collaboration, LTK implements a “cameras-on” policy during virtual meetings. This policy encourages employees to maintain a professional appearance and actively engage during discussions, enhancing focus and accountability. Patricia Gonzales highlighted the importance of visual presence, noting that it reinforces a daily commitment to productivity and fosters a sense of connection among team members.

In summary, LTK’s commitment to building a remote-first workplace culture revolves around flexibility, connectivity, alignment, and accountability. By embracing remote work, fostering community through events, setting clear objectives, and encouraging active participation in virtual meetings, the company strives to create an inclusive and productive environment for its distributed workforce.