Welcome

You’re here because you’re capable. That means more than just doing your job well. It means you can take ownership, navigate ambiguity, and make decisions that matter. You won’t be micromanaged. You will be trusted.

This isn’t a place where you wait for instructions and follow a script. This is a place where you contribute directly, where your work is visible, and where what you create has real impact.

We don’t care about credentials. We care about what you can do.

Total Responsibility. Total Authority.

You are trusted to make decisions. Real ones.

You choose how the work gets done. You select the tools. You define your own workflow. You are not here to execute someone else’s roadmap. You are here to solve problems, end to end.

That is your authority.

You also own the consequences. If a system you built goes down, you are responsible for getting it back up. If a design doesn’t work, you iterate. If something slips, you flag it. You clean up your own mess.

That is your responsibility.

The two must always go together.

Authority without responsibility is tyranny.

Responsibility without authority is abuse.

Neither belongs here.

You have the power to shape systems, architecture, tooling, and process. You’re expected to use that power with care and judgment. When you act, act intentionally. Ask when needed. Decide when it’s time. Make it better.

This place reflects the people inside it. That includes you now.

Working Hours and Flexibility

We work together between 9:00 and 5:30. These are not rigid hours. They’re shared hours. This is when we expect people to be available for discussion, pairing, decisions, and support. It allows real-time collaboration without guessing who’s around.

Outside those hours, you’re trusted to manage your time like an adult. Need a dentist appointment at 3 PM? Take it. Not being productive and want to leave early? Fine. Just communicate. Let someone know if it affects others. That’s all we ask.

Refilled is flexible. Life exists outside the office, and we respect that. But flexibility runs both ways. If the thing you’re responsible for breaks at 6 PM, you don’t get to ignore it because you’re “off the clock.” Responsibility doesn’t clock out.

If you’re expected in the office and running late, say so. Slack works. Message your team or your lead. Don’t disappear.

Remote Wednesdays

Wednesday is our agreed work-from-home day. This is not a right. It’s an opportunity. Use it to get some deep focus, to work without office noise, or to spend less time commuting. If you prefer, stay in the office and enjoy the quiet.

The same rules apply: if you’re needed on-site to solve a problem you own, then you’re not working from home that day. Responsibility comes first. Being unavailable in the middle of a production issue because “it’s remote day” is not acceptable.

Remote work works here because we trust people to use it well. Protect that trust.

Communication Norms

We move fast. Clear communication keeps us aligned and efficient.

Use Slack first.

Slack is the default way to talk. Start most questions, updates, and conversations there.

  • Use public channels unless it’s sensitive or off-topic.
  • Be concise. Say what you mean.
  • Mark questions clearly. Flag when something is just an FYI.
  • Don’t expect immediate replies. People are working.

If you haven’t heard back in a reasonable time, follow up. That’s normal. We don’t ghost each other.

The Headphone Rule

Headphones mean “do not disturb.”

When someone has headphones on, they are considered unavailable. That’s their time for deep work. Do not tap them. Do not wave. Do not interrupt with “just one quick thing.” Message them on Slack.

If it can wait, let it wait.

The only exception is if something is actively on fire and needs immediate input from that specific person to prevent damage. And by fire, we mean fire. Systems down. Data loss. Real consequences. Not confusion over which design file is the latest.

Respect people’s focus. You’ll want yours respected too.

Say what you mean.

Be direct. Be honest. Avoid passive-aggressive nonsense. If something is broken, name it. If something doesn’t make sense, ask. If you disagree, speak up.

We expect high signal and low drama. That’s how trust grows.

Meetings

Meetings are rare and short. When they happen, they happen for a reason. If it’s on your calendar, show up. Be early. Be prepared.

If there’s no agenda, ask why the meeting exists. If a meeting ends early, leave. If it could be a Slack thread, make it one.

Don’t multitask. Don’t ramble. Get in, decide, move on.

Feedback

You’ll get feedback often. It will be direct and immediate. It won’t be dressed up. That’s intentional. We move fast, and feedback helps us course-correct without ceremony.

You’re expected to give feedback as well. Say the thing that needs to be said. Be specific. Be constructive. Be honest.

How Work Happens

We use kanban-lite. Each team has a Trello board. This is how we track what matters. If it’s not written down, it didn’t happen.

The board belongs to the team. Not the manager. You and your peers create and update the cards. It’s not a task list or backlog. It’s a shared map of what’s in flight and what’s important.

Cards must be focused, complete, and have a clear end state.

Bad: fix bugs

Good: fix image upload crash on Safari when clicking submit

Each week, you’ll meet 1:1 with your team lead. Together, you’ll walk the board and check alignment. Are you working on the right things? Are any priorities unclear? Do any new cards need to be created or stale ones deleted?

This isn’t status reporting. It’s coordination.

Last Word

We don’t do process for its own sake. We don’t do performance theater. We don’t reward activity. We reward outcomes.

You were hired because you can handle real autonomy. You stay here by proving it.