How do you work together over 6,000 kilometers apart?

When a meeting becomes recruitment

In December 2022, when we were looking for a new educational tool to include in our Hubu catalog, we discovered Guillaume's work on a serious game promising. Over the course of our discussions, it became clear that Guillaume was the entrepreneur, graphic designer and strategist we needed for our development. Our meeting over a game suddenly took on a recruitment dimension. However, there was a geographical obstacle: Guillaume lived in Warsaw, Poland.

Turning obstacles into opportunities

At first, we felt a certain reluctance. Adjusting to a significant time difference and working remotely can raise concerns. However, instead of giving in to our fears, we turned them into a challenge. What benefits could remote collaboration bring? How could we collaborate effectively despite the distance? In addition, Guillaume represented Europe, a market of long-term interest to us. What's more, the Covid-19 pandemic had already prepared us for working remotely. It was an opportunity we had to seize, and we did.

Step-by-step progress

To ensure a smooth start-up, we began by hiring Guillaume as a consultant, first three days a week, then four in the spring. The six-hour time difference, which may have seemed daunting at first, turned out to be a considerable asset. Today, our business runs virtually non-stop. When one part of the team finishes for the day, it passes on its work to the other, who takes it forward while it sleeps, a bit like a relay race.

Growing together

The gamble proved to be a winning one for both parties. Guillaume became an employee of Hubu on September 1, 2023, just eight months after the start of our collaboration. As Hubu's Creative Director, Guillaume is responsible for the design and graphic production of games, tools and teaching aids. His geographical base in Europe strengthens our presence in this region.

This experience has also enabled Hubu to expand further. We opened a liaison office in Paris to facilitate the administrative formalities involved in employing an employee under French jurisdiction. Today, the TeamTalk game is available on Amazon France, and this is just the beginning of our international expansion.

Moving from the virtual to the real

During the summer vacations, Gabriel had the chance to visit Guillaume in Warsaw, Poland. The two colleagues, now friends, were unanimous: "It's magical to meet such a close collaborator in person for the first time". During the meeting, the four of them (with their spouses) spent a few days getting to know each other over Polish dishes such as Pierogi and Zapiekanki! We're already planning our next flesh-and-blood encounters in Europe and Canada in 2024.

Conclusion: a successful long-distance collaboration

Collaborating over 6,000 kilometers away is not only possible, it can also be an exceptional opportunity for companies of all sizes. Here are a few keys to our remote collaboration success:

• Creative role: Creative roles are particularly suited to remote collaboration, as they require less day-to-day interaction with customers.
• Autonomy and initiative: Teleworking employees need to be highly autonomous and able to take the initiative.
• Flexibility: Employers need to be flexible when it comes to deadlines, taking into account different time zones.
• Human connection: It's essential to spend time making human connections, even through virtual platforms.
• Instant communication: Using instant alternative means of communication, such as WhatsApp, is crucial.
• Weekly meetings: Organize at least one individual weekly meeting to monitor progress and plan the week.
• Surround yourself with experts: Consider using experts to facilitate the administrative procedures involved in hiring international employees.

Ultimately, successful long-distance collaboration is based on communication, trust and flexibility. It can turn challenges into growth opportunities, while expanding your company's horizons.