Woflow's in-person off-sites catalyze remote team innovation

In 2020, Woflow was three years old and had just expanded to a larger office in San Francisco to accommodate our growing eight-person team. Back then, a remote-first company wasn’t even on our radar—being together in person was core to the culture we wanted to build. But when 2020 hit, everything changed. Like many, we struggled to adapt, hesitating to hire outside of our SF footprint while trying to maintain what made us special.

It wasn’t until two years into COVID that we fully embraced a remote-first culture. Today, while we maintain an HQ in San Francisco and a few satellite offices worldwide, our workflows and values are built for remote collaboration.

Even so, nothing beats the power of in-person connection. That’s why once a year, we bring our global team together for an offsite. Over the years, we’ve met in incredible locations like San Francisco, Napa, and Mexico City. Most recently, we gathered in New Orleans, where 40 teammates from around the world came together for a week of collaboration, competition, and connection.

Here’s why we make this a priority every year

1. It Builds Trust and Connection

Remote work has its perks, but it often comes at the expense of personal connection. Nothing matches the trust and camaraderie that form when you meet face-to-face.

This year in New Orleans, we broke away from departmental groups and mixed everyone into random teams. It was amazing to watch people connect with teammates they don’t typically work with. Together, the groups tackled a series of creative challenges, including building catapults that launched balls the furthest distance. Another standout activity was an "automation contest," where teams used low-code/no-code tools to create solutions for real organizational problems. These exercises weren’t just fun—they strengthened bonds across teams and sparked collaboration that will continue long after the event.

2. It Reignites Energy and Purpose

Offsites provide a chance to step back, reflect, and recharge. They’re an opportunity to reconnect with the company’s mission and reignite excitement for what lies ahead.

In New Orleans, we kicked things off with a presentation from our founders, celebrating the year’s accomplishments and setting the tone for the year ahead. But the magic really happened during casual moments—like exploring the city’s vibrant streets, sharing a meal, or cheering each other on during team challenges. By the end of the week, everyone left feeling inspired and energized, ready to tackle the next year’s goals together.

3. It Reinforces Company Culture

Culture isn’t something you write down and forget—it’s something you live. Offsites give us the chance to bring our values to life in ways that remote work doesn’t always allow.

Whether it’s collaborating during a group challenge or connecting over live jazz at a local bar, these shared experiences bring our culture to the forefront. For example, the automation contest highlighted our focus on innovation and problem-solving, while the catapult challenge reminded us that a little fun and creativity go a long way.

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Conclusion: Why Offsites Matter

Our annual offsite is more than just an event—it’s a chance to reconnect, refocus, and remind ourselves of the people behind the work we do every day. These gatherings help us bridge the gaps of remote work, strengthen relationships, and align on what’s ahead.

By coming together in person, we leave with fresh energy, stronger connections, and a shared sense of purpose. It’s a simple idea, but one that makes all the difference as we continue to grow and build together.