COVER STORY: YURI, SOFTWARE ARCHITECT

How Opinov8 engage employees by working remotely

Right now, remote working or working from home has become more than a trend. While remote work used to be offered by some companies as a way to offer a more flexible lifestyle to their employees, it has now become the new norm for most businesses. The pandemic is completely redefining the way teams communicate and work. Working from home is not an option or a privilege anymore. Weighing various options, some companies have elected to continue allowing their employees to work remotely. As a result, we are now watching the work-from-home trend take off all across the globe.

Allowing employees to work remotely has its advantages. But however popular remote work has become, building an effective and productive community of remote workers has its own set of unique challenges, one of which is engaging remote employees. As companies continue to grow accustomed and adapt to the new reality, it is important to ensure that every team member feels valued, heard, and respected. Engagement activities in Communities are very fruitful for workers as well as for organizations. Opinov8 strives to ensure that everyone in our work environment feels supported, engaged, and inspired by those who share your interests and remain motivated despite these unprecedented times. 

The engagement has become one of the utmost prominent priorities for Managers in Opinov8, who are constantly developing effective means to engage the Opinov8rs, who spread out all around the country and world, during these challenging times. The goal was to build Communities among the remote team to bring everyone together and ensure productivity by having an environment where all members can find like-minded people, communicate, collaborate, make friends and deepen their passion based on work or personal interests. One of the biggest challenges of working remotely is the lack of social interaction and personal connection with co-workers. When managing a remote team, it’s important to take every opportunity to foster connections and engagement.

Cover Stories are a space to feature recognized Opinov8rs. We asked some of our teammates, who are most involved in our Communities, how they handle challenges while they work remotely and cooperate with their teams. In this edition, meet Yuri, Software Architect. He tells us about his career at Opinov8, how he works remotely and how sports activities help him manage his work-life balance. Get to know Yuri a little more through this Cover Story! 

How did you become part of Opinov8’s team?

My journey began just a bit over 2 years ago. Opinov8 and the position itself were recommended to me by the Ex-Head of DevOps at Opinov8. At that moment, I was not looking for any opportunities, but Alex was persistent in his efforts to show me the world outside the company I was working for, and at some point, I agreed to come for the interview. I had doubts about the value I can bring to a startup company because all my experience was in the big companies so far, but still, it was interesting to see what the company was like. Usually, small companies are more limited in resources and investments, and it requires more smart decisions than in the enterprise, so it was a challenge. But, after the interview with Christian Aaen (Co-founder, Chief Technology & Operations Officer in Opinov8), all the goals and challenges were clear. Remember that conversation very well: “Do not build an architectural palace” (c). During the interview, I felt health pragmatism, transparency, and clearly what was required from me. The biggest benefit of Opinov8 is that you are unlimited in creativity if it correlates to business strategy. You can be transparent and don’t suffer from it. It is in Opinov8 DNA. It is rare in national companies or companies managed by national managers. The start wasn’t easy, but it is a different story.

Have you worked remotely before? What were the biggest challenges you faced? How do you overcome them?

No, I have never worked remotely before. But, even with an ability to WFH in Opinov8, I prefer to work from the office. The biggest challenge for me is discipline. I am not in a position where I can do the routine work. I am always challenging resolutions, trying to discover something, so hard to push myself.

What is your typical workday like? How do you manage your time and productivity? 

Stand up and fight 🙂 But, if seriously, two points. First, time is all you have, you cannot buy or return it, so don't waste your time! Second, always focus on goals and objectives so that you can handle your time and productivity.

What skills do you think are necessary to be a successful remote worker?

I believe that it is necessary to have the same skills as for the office. Overall, Opinov8's values are very good to describe these soft skills.

How do you manage your work-life balance? What activities do you do that help you maintain a work-life balance?

Work hard - play hard. More stress, more loud and crazy rest. Fighting fire with fire.

What do you most enjoy about sports activities, especially motorcycle racing? How long have you been racing and how many events did you participate in? Why are you doing this? 

Racing was always my passion. I won UASBK two times in Amateur 600, SuperStock 600, once was third in SuperSport 600 classes. Also, I have won several races on the PitBikes in racing since 2017. When Communities appeared in our office, I suggested taking together trial lessons on driving a motorcycle. I love to share my expertise and advice. It's fun to watch the first steps of the guys. Such things really unite, and it is extremely important to be a united team, especially like this.

Do you have any tips for staying motivated? What advice would you give to someone who wants to start but doesn't know how?

I would highlight 3 main steps. First, believe and want what you are doing. Second, break big tasks into small, feasible milestones. Third, enjoy the results of each milestone you pass. If you really want it, you will be motivated.

If you could say just one thing to people starting their professional path in tech, what would you say?

Shortly, do not neglect the basics. The IT science background from universities is boring but important. It is constant, changes rarely, and a career path started there.