Over the past year, our team in Macedonia has worked fully remote, while our colleagues in Norway kept the energy going from the office. And despite the distance, we’ve worked as one team, delivering some of our best projects, building a strong culture, and staying deeply connected.

Now, as we get ready to move into our new office in Bitola, we’re reflecting on what made this remote chapter such a success.

1. Communication Is Everything

If there’s one thing remote work makes crystal clear, it’s that good communication is essential for teamwork. Whether it’s through Slack/Bitrix messages, video calls, or quick updates in project boards, we’ve learned that being clear and consistent keeps everyone on the same page.

And here’s something simple but powerful: never underestimate the value of a casual chat before jumping into a meeting. Sometimes, a quick “How’s your day going?” can create the kind of connection that keeps teams feeling close, even from a distance.

2. Trust > Micromanagement

Remote work only works when there’s trust. At avilo, we believe in giving people the space to own their tasks and deliver on time without nagging. We’re focused on outcomes, and when everyone feels trusted, they tend to give their best in return.

3. Systems Make the Difference

From Bitrix task boards to shared content calendars and regular team check-ins, having systems in place helps keep momentum and accountability going, even when people aren’t in the same room.

We’ve learned that structure doesn’t mean rigid. The right tools give us flexibility, not friction.

4. Don’t Forget the Fun

Remote doesn’t have to mean boring. Whether it’s a spontaneous meme thread, sharing photos from life outside work, or celebrating small wins on calls, we make space for the kind of moments that bring personality into the workday.

Those moments matter, and they build a stronger team.

Looking Ahead: From Remote to Hybrid

As we get ready to open our new office in Bitola, we’re not saying goodbye to everything remote gave us. In fact, we’re taking the best parts with us:

• Freedom and flexibility in how we work
  
• Deeper appreciation for meaningful conversations
  
• A culture where results matter more than location
  

We’ve proven that remote work can be productive, personal, and sustainable. And now, we’re excited to blend that with in-person collaboration, on our own terms.

Want to see how we make remote collaboration work in tech and marketing?
Check out more about what we do at avilo.no/en