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The shift to remote work has transformed countless industries, and PR is no exception. Running a fully remote financial PR agency comes with undeniable perks but also some unique quirks. It takes a little more than a strong internet connection and a few Slack channels to keep things ticking along nicely. At StreetCred PR—an agency born during the pandemic—we’ve learned a lot about the rewards and realities of a remote setup. Here are some insights we’ve picked up along the way.
Expanded Talent Pool and Diverse Perspectives
One of the most immediate benefits of going fully remote is access to a wider talent pool. The dissolution of geographic boundaries means we can attract top-tier financial PR talent from virtually anywhere. In a traditional setup, recruiting would be limited to those willing to commute or relocate to a given location. However, with a remote model, we can find the best people for the job, tapping into expertise that simply might not exist in a single metropolitan area.
This enhances our agency’s resourcefulness and problem-solving capabilities. With team members spanning different backgrounds and experiences, we’re able to approach client challenges with fresh perspectives, which is invaluable in a creative field like PR. In short, our remote structure allows us to assemble a team whose collective strengths surpass what might be possible in a single location.
Coast-to-Coast Coverage and Responsiveness
In PR, timing can be everything. A distributed team enables us to provide coast-to-coast client coverage. With team members across various time zones, we’re able to respond promptly to client requests, no matter the hour. Our East Coast contingent can handle early-morning media requests, while West Coast colleagues are available to cover late-afternoon inquiries, ensuring seamless service and continuous support. This agility helps to build client trust, reinforcing our commitment to being alert and responsive.
However, time-zone flexibility comes with the need for clear communication and boundaries to prevent burnout. Setting expectations around availability ensures team members aren’t constantly “on,” and we trust each team member to manage their schedule effectively – we simply ask that they keep us informed if they need to step away. This approach allows us to deliver consistent, high-quality service while equally valuing the autonomy and well-being of our team. The result? A strong sense of mutual trust and accountability.
Cost Savings and Strategic Reinvestment
Cost savings are one obvious yet powerful benefit of going remote. Traditional office overheads—rent, utilities, office supplies—can add up quickly, especially in major metropolitan areas. By cutting out the overhead, we’re able to reinvest in things that actually benefit our team and clients. At StreetCred, this means professional development, upgraded tools and resources that help us do our jobs even better.
Instead of putting money into office expenses, we invest in our people and processes. This approach not only boosts morale but keeps us competitive and innovative.
Culture That’s not Cringeworthy
I will be the first to admit that remote “company culture” can sound like a bad punchline, conjuring up images of forced fun and awkward virtual bonding. But at StreetCred, we believe culture is built on authentic connections, not on mandatory Zoom happy hours. In an office, culture often develops naturally through spontaneous interactions, but remote work requires us to be a little more intentional. For instance, we hold optional “virtual office hours” where anyone can drop in to brainstorm, ask questions, or just work through a problem with leadership and peers alike. There’s no pressure, no agenda—just an open space for collaboration.
We also prioritize in-person gatherings, which are key to creating trust and camaraderie. Our annual retreat is a time for the whole team to come together, connect, and yes, relax with nary a screen in sight. And for those who happen to find themselves in the same city, we cover coffee meetups and co-working days—because sometimes a simple face-to-face conversation is worth its weight in gold. These unforced touchpoints strengthen our bonds, making collaboration smoother when everyone’s back behind their screens.
Intentional Communication for Team Cohesion
Nuance is often one of the biggest casualties of online communication. Sans in-person cues, even a well-intentioned Slack message can be misinterpreted, meaning that small miscommunications can lead to big misunderstandings. At StreetCred, we rely on Slack, Asana and Google Workspace for structured coordination, but we know that creating a connected team goes beyond tech tools. We remind everyone that sometimes the best way to avoid miscommunication is to just pick up the phone, have a candid conversation and assume positive intent across all levels.
Effective remote leadership demands a commitment to building trust and encouraging open dialogue. Leaders need to create real opportunities for team members to share ideas and feedback. At StreetCred, we hold regular all-hands meetings to keep everyone updated and encourage open discussions about projects. And our open-door policy isn’t just lip service. Management conducts regular one-on-one meetings with each member of the team, creating a space for everyone to voice thoughts, raise concerns or seek mentorship. This goes a long way toward building a team culture where each member feels valued, engaged and connected to the mission, regardless of where they happen to be located.
Final Thoughts
At StreetCred, a fully remote approach has required us to be proactive about everything from team dynamics to client coverage. Along the way, we’ve learned that a thriving agency isn’t defined by shared space but rather by shared purpose. And without shared walls, we’ve had to double down on shared values—trust, respect and open dialogue. Building this culture takes effort, but the payoff is a team that’s uniquely aligned.
For agencies considering a remote model, it’s not without its occasional curveballs, but when approached thoughtfully, the advantages can far outweigh the challenges.
Emma Smith is partner at StreetCred PR, a public relations agency focused on the financial services sector.
