Razzetti - Remote, Not Distant

Every possible effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this book is accurate at the time of publishing. The author and publisher cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions, however caused. No responsibility for loss or damage caused to any person or organization acting, or refraining from acting, as a result of the content of this book can be accepted by the publisher, author, or editors.

This publication may only be reproduced, stored, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, with the prior written permission of the publishers or the author. Inquiries concerning reproduction should be sent to the publishers at the following address:

Liberationist Press

597 Hyacinth Pl

Highland Park, IL 60035

USA

Gustavo Razzetti, 2022

The right of Gustavo Razzetti to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

ISBNs

Hardback 978-0-9990973-8-0

Paperback 978-0-9990973-9-7

Ebook78-0-9990973-6-6

Kindle ASIN: B09VXX4FN3

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022909745

Editing: Sarah Barbour

Cover design: Krishna Mohan

Interior design and typesetting: Adina Cucicov

Praise for Remote, Not Distant

Remote, Not Distant will help you stay ahead of the curve in the remote revolution. Everyone not just leaders will benefit from this comprehensive and actionable collection of insights, ideas, and tools to build a strong hybrid work culture. If you want to thrive in a post-pandemic world, read this book!

Dr. Tasha Eurich, New York Times Bestselling Author of Insight and Bankable Leadership

The future of work isnt fixed; its waiting to be built. Remote, Not Distant offers a tactical blueprint to building a better future for all.

Darren Murph, Head of Remote, GitLab

Gustavo Razzetti captures the return to the office/remote debate so well and enables us to understand how we can utilize the benefits of remote working and not compromise on having a great company culture. He offers practical tips on how to overcome the obstacles of remote/hybrid work. A great read!

Liz Rider, Global Head of Leadership and Culture, Volvo

Remote Not Distant provides ample evidence and examples of how to build the culture you want and the types of collaboration you need, using flexible solutions that work for your team.

Brian Elliott, Senior Vice President, Slack

It is not too overblown to say this is a book that every leader of remote teams needs to have by their side. A highly practical, no-nonsense, how-to guide to restore and improve workplace culture in a complex world.

Anish Hindocha, Change Lead, ITV

Tremendously insightful guide with immediate practical application (chapter-ending recaps, tools, and tips). Grounded in the latest learnings from a broad array of industry practitioners, academics, and consulting thought leaders. This book will help leaders address a mission-critical blind spot in their current thinking about the post-pandemic world and the ramifications and implications of not meeting work colleagues where they live.

Andrew OHearn, Associate Director, Change Management, Bayer

The pandemic has shaken workplace cultures old paradigms, yet this is so recent that most leaders lack the knowledge as to how to navigate it. Gustavo Razzetti has broken down the puzzle and provides frameworks and actionable tools, allowing you to create your own blueprint for success. Remote, Not Distant is a critical read for anyone interested in gaining thoughtful perspectives and actionable paths as to how to navigate the new normal.

Silvina Cendra, Head of Customer Marketing Strategy, Taco Bell

At a time when we need to rethink leadership, Remote, Not Distant is an important book that delivers a roadmap to anyone who wants to be successful in our new world! Bravo!

Hortense le GentilExecutive Leadership Coach and author of Aligned.

Remote, Not Distant is a treasure box of insights and tools to build new hybrid work solutions. Gustavo Razzetti concretely guides us to take the best from our experiences without proposing salvific recipes. A great support in looking at the future and starting to build it.

Letizia Migliola, Business Consultant, Italy

Gustavo Razzetti has created a resource that demystifies hybrid work and facilitates its adoption in a practical way. Starting with basic human needs such as belonging and safety, Gustavo sets the tone of what it means to create a sustainable culture. This book is a must-read for everyone who is ready and eager to dive beyond the surface of hybrid and go the extra mile.

Dr. Myriam Hadnes, Founder, Never Done Before

Remote, Not Distant offers practical and tactical stories, solutions, and scenarios that are proven to work. Gustavo has compiled a great resource to help you on your journey as we all navigate this transformative time in the workforce. These are not theories but an extension to his existing body of work around culture design and collaboration.

Douglas Flory, Global Practice Lead, GoTo

I learned so much from this book relatable stories, practical tips, and evidence-based research contribute to a very valuable, thoughtful, well-paced, and intelligent book that is accessible, not too long, and provided me with new ways of considering hybrid and online engagement situations.

Susan Raphael, Principal Consultant, Australia

One of the reasons some companies are clamoring for a return to the offices is that they have not yet found the viable replacement for that sense of connectedness. Gustavos book is a timely blueprint for restoring and enhancing team cultures in the new age of permanent hybrid work. Well sourced and thought through, methodically organized, and clearly articulated, its a step-by-step guide to help you identify and fill the gaps created by physical distance and turn your teams once again into the well-adjusted, humming, and happy engines of productivity.

Katya Sylvester, Senior Manager, Change Management, Fannie Mae

Culture. Belonging. Purpose. Engagement. Rituals. Ideas like these are difficult to define, let alone get right in an organization. By challenging long-held assumptions and sharing surprising examples, extensive research, and highly actionable tools, Razzetti shows us that its not magic after all. Anyone who is truly committed to helping hybrid or remote workplaces thrive, despite continued uncertainty and ambiguity, will find the book an invaluable, transformative companion on the journey.

Maren Gube, Ph.D., Executive Director, Resiliti

Introduction:
You Dont Need an Office to Build Culture

Welcome to the beginning of the end of the workplace as we know it. Normal is gone. The culture that got you here wont get you there.

When Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the return to the office, he didnt anticipate the backlash.

The new policy stated that everyone should work from Apple Park on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays. Cook emphasized that the move would reenergize Apples culture, which relies on strong in-person relationships.

Or so he thought.

In fact, most people werent so happy about returning to the office. A letter written and edited by 80 employees reminded Cook of how they delivered:

the same quality of products and services that Apple is known for, all while working almost completely remotely.

Over the last year, we often felt not just unheard, but at times, actively ignored. Messages like, we know many of you are eager to reconnect in person with your colleagues back in the office with no messaging acknowledging that there are directly contradictory feelings among us feels dismissive and invalidating.