Village Insights: 4 Ways to Thrive in a Virtual First Organization

At Coupa, we don’t just adapt to change—we drive it. Our Virtual First philosophy empowers our global teams to own their impact and do their best work, regardless of where they are in the world.

We believe in purposeful flexibility. While Coupa operates as a Virtual First organization with distributed work as the primary mode, we also support in-office team members based on their roles and locations. Distributed work is our primary mode, meaning our people are empowered to balance focus, collaboration, and creativity on their own terms. But working virtually doesn't mean working in isolation. 

In this edition of our Village Insights playbook, our global recruiting team is sharing key strategies to help you build a routine, stay highly productive, and remain deeply connected while engaging in virtual collaboration. Here are four ways to thrive in a Virtual First workplace.

1. Own your impact with intentional flexibility. One of the greatest benefits of a Virtual First culture is the freedom to schedule your day to balance high-focus work with collaboration. However, the most successful remote professionals flex with intention. Sticking to a morning routine—waking up at a consistent time, getting dressed, and preparing for the day as if you were commuting—gives you the energy to stay productive. Build a schedule that allows you to crush your professional goals while still making time for what matters most outside of work.
2. Optimize your environment for deep focus. To maintain a routine and increase productivity, it is crucial to allocate a specific area in your home as your designated workspace. While you have the freedom to work anywhere within your defined location, choosing a quiet, clutter-free area with limited distractions allows you to engage in deep, uninterrupted work. Create an environment that signals to your brain: It's time to focus.
3. Lead with digital-first collaboration. Being united by mission, not location, means relying heavily on digital tools. Start your day by creating a prioritized to-do list so you know exactly what needs your immediate attention. Once your goals are set, champion digital collaboration. Utilize the seamless communication tools at your disposal to share your progress, ask questions, and brainstorm with your peers. Working digitally by design ensures you stay connected across projects and time zones without missing a beat.
4. Foster human connection beyond the screen. Because we are united by mission, not location, our culture is built on a foundation of trust and accountability. This transparency is exactly what allows for true flexibility, empowering you to manage your work in a way that yields the best results for our customers and the Village. Take advantage of our culture of belonging by balancing virtual interactions with purposeful in-person moments. Schedule virtual coffee chats and participate in Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), but also lean into in-person opportunities like internal and external conferences, or in-person all-hands meetings. We also highly encourage building bonds through community service—take advantage of Coupa’s 40 hours of paid Volunteer Time Off (VTO) per year, and gather with your local team to give back together during our annual Global Impact Week. The more experiences you share with your team, the more supported and connected you will feel.

Are you ready to join a global team redefining business spend? Learn more about our Virtual First culture, explore exciting opportunities, and join our Talent Community today.