On the previous episode of the Rework podcast, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson, co-founders of 37signals, joined host Kimberly Rhodes to answer listener questions and share their insights on various topics such as project ownership, attracting talent, and building a successful team.
This week, they return to address one question that deserved its own episode.
Tune in as they reflect on a significant reset that occurred at 37signals in 2021 when many people left the company simultaneously due to a "no politics on work forums" stance.
They discuss how they dealt with the high turnover rate and how that pivotal moment became the catalyst that caused them to reassess and make necessary changes to their company culture.
Plus, what they learned about the importance of making bold moves to drive progress and overcome stagnation.
Show Notes:
[00:15] - Kimberly shares a listener question from a cardiac surgeon, Jeffrey Gibson, about the employee resignations at 37signals in 2021 when they implemented a "no politics on work forums" policy and asks for an update about how the policy is working.
[01:24] - David discusses the importance of time in evaluating a decision and his pride in the decision. He highlights the positive outcomes that have resulted from it.
[03:27] - David talks about renegotiating the separation between work and home and how this decision has helped to clarify the company's focus and values.
[05:51] - The media gets involved: David shares his experience with media reports and how it has changed his perspective on them.
[06:31] - "My personal sense is that the media, in general, has been covering itself in glory for a bit now, not just on that point, but on a lot of points." - David Heinemeier Hansson
[07:23] - One of the most important and difficult decisions they have made as a company (and the positive outcomes for their workplace culture).
[10:06] - A few regrets: Jason shares that the decision-making process during that time taught him to be careful about making other decisions in a fog and encourages others to project ahead and look back before making a decision.
[11:38] - Kimberly asks if turnover allowed them a fresh start with changing the company culture.
[12:00] - A mass exodus and a major reset.
[13:22] - An opportunity to consider what matters—David explains how going through something challenging offers the chance to reassess your life, what you stand for, and where you're going.
[14:53] - David discusses how difficult it is to ask big questions in daily life and how companies go through a similar process of reassessing what they want to be, what they stand for, and where they want to go.
[15:38] - David reflects on the fruits of the company's efforts.
[16:11] - Do you have questions for David and Jason about a better way to work and run your business? Leave your voicemails at 708-628-7850 or send an email. You can find show notes and transcripts on our website. You can also find us on Twitter.
Links and Resources:
Listener Questions / AMA | REWORK
Listener Questions Part 2 | REWORK
Changes at Basecamp by Jason Fried (April 2021)
Basecamp's new etiquette regarding societal politics at work by David Heinemeier H