307: Basecamp’s David Heinemeier Hansson On What A Productive Workplace Should Look Like

02/06/2020 59 min
307: Basecamp’s David Heinemeier Hansson On What A Productive Workplace Should Look Like

Listen "307: Basecamp’s David Heinemeier Hansson On What A Productive Workplace Should Look Like"

Episode Synopsis

As we start thinking about re-opening our businesses and offices after Covid-19, many people are wondering what the new “normal” will look like.
While co-founder of Basecamp David Heinemeier Hansson doesn’t know for sure what the outcome will be, he certainly has an idea of what the new world of work should look like. As one of the biggest advocates of remote work, Hansson is hopeful that more and more companies will see the benefits of allowing employees to choose how and where they want to work.
But his vision for work doesn’t stop there. Hansson is also passionate about creating an environment where employees can protect at least a few hours of their day to accomplish deep work. This means no daily stand ups, no open calendars, and no unnecessary distractions that take away from your ability to get s*** done—an approach that’s imbued in Basecamp’s own culture.
If you’re fascinated by the topics of remote work and productivity, you don’t want to miss out on this conversation with Hansson.
If there’s any other content you’d like to see that would be valuable to you during this time, please don’t hesitate to reach out at [email protected].
Key Takeaways

The email from Hansson to Jason Fried that eventually led to the birth of Basecamp

Why it’s difficult to tell what the new “normal” for work will be after Covid-19

A look at the most common misconceptions about remote work, and how the pandemic has proven them to be false

Why Hansson believes we need to focus less on the number of hours we work and more on the quality of those hours

The reason why Basecamp isn’t renewing the lease for its Chicago office

Why Hansson doesn’t believe in daily stand ups and open calendars

How to maximize deep work

Why Basecamp’s approach to work is less about productivity, and more about human health and happiness

A sneak peek into Hansson’s upcoming project, HEY

Why the phrase ASAP is overused

What Hansson’s schedule looks like on most days

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