For International Women’s Day this year, our executive team recorded a podcast episode reflecting on the poignant insights from last year's blog by our Chief Operations Officer, Erika. Both Erika and Brad, CEO, shared their thoughts and feelings, and we've curated a selection of highlights of their perspectives for this year's IWD blog post, to spark conversation and inspire action. Beyond the Surface: Real Empowerment and Equity Here's the deal: Empowerment isn't just about handing out kudos like candies. As Erika, pointedly questions: "Are the women in your team being heard? Are they being paid properly? Are they spared the presumption that they'll naturally take on secretarial support?" She doesn't shy away from calling out the unconscious bias that still assigns "women's work," even in the most forward-thinking of committees. It's not just about recognising issues on a surface level. As Erika puts it, "Listen to women, then actually do what they're asking you to do." It's about action that echoes the sentiments of the day, extending beyond it. Challenging the Status Quo Now, for those curious, this isn't some grandiose claim that everything's peachy in the land of software and consulting. The HutSix team acknowledges a rather imposing obstacle they've faced – men themselves, and not just any men, but the attitudes and expectations deeply entrenched in a male-dominated industry. Brad candidly remarks on the historical context where the shift in perception of programming from female to male-led happened as soon as it was labelled skilled work. He notes the irony that even now, a significant chunk of the industry is, in fact, administrative. Cultural Change But the winds of change are blowing. HutSix has been actively restructuring its workplace culture, integrating tools like AI for meeting notes to prevent defaulting to the nearest woman in the room. Erika jokes, "So the woman on the call, who's actually the boss, doesn't have to take minutes." From Gestures to Actions: Making Equity a Reality Brad highlights the tangible actions taken towards real equity and support within the workplace. The focus is on recognising skills and talents regardless of age, gender, or parenthood status. "You're a member of the team, doing your thing," Brad states, reinforcing the stance that productivity and contribution know no gender. One poignant takeaway from this discussion is the idea of role-modelling as a catalyst for cultural shift, a strategy both Erika and Brad endorse and embody within their roles. A Vision for a Balanced Future Musing on the future, HutSix is looking towards a more gender-balanced industry, envisioning a workplace where different perspectives, regardless of gender, age, or personal life, can coalesce to create a richer, more empathetic environment. Call to Action We conclude on a hopeful note, encouraging men to develop empathy and recognise women as peers. "It'd be really cool to just stop being objectified," says Erika, a sentiment echoed by Brad who notes the pervasive harassment beyond just the sexual type, a challenge both men and women face in striving for a respectful and inclusive workspace. So this International Women's Day, our call to action is simple: listen, do, and change—not just for a day, but as the foundation for the future. In case you missed any of the insights and laughs from this session, be sure to tune into the Invisible Skyscrapers podcast . Subscribe, share, and perhaps leave a comment for the team; they'd love to hear from you!

At HutSix, we've always prided ourselves on our ability to deep dive into our clients' needs, providing top-notch software solutions and consultancy services. Yet, we understand the challenges that arise when our clients can't spare their entire work capacity to walk us through every intricate detail of their operations, or aren’t even sure what they really need. Particularly as we often get the call up when our clients are fresh out of capacity. When our clients have limited capacity, it makes it hard for us to get enough information to start to build software that can effectively solve their capacity issues. It’s common practice for large consultancy firms to conduct major analysis works and operate on-site from their client’s offices. This is often the case with long form projects (we’re talking years), and can be quite expensive for the organisation (check out ‘House of Lies’ if you want a peep into this high-flying type of consultancy). Even though this is a great way for a consultancy firm to make a heap of cash, it’s not the most agile method to complete this work in. Enter our innovative solution, "Fly on the Wall Consultancy". A member of the HutSix team stationed right in the heart of your office, blending seamlessly into your workspace like trusted colleagues. This approach enables us to deliver set deliverables while immersing ourselves into the daily rhythm of your organisation's operations. From a minimum engagement of one week to a maximum of twelve, we become an integral part of the team, tackling defined tasks alongside our own workload. Not only is this an effective method for our clients' back pockets, but it also means that we can form ‘generalist knowledge’ about our clients' organisations. You might’ve heard this concept before in a Ted Talk, but it is theorised that there are two types of knowledge, generalist and specialists. Generalist knowledge consists of being across a variety of fields, and only having a surface level knowledge of each field. A specialist, however, has an in-depth understanding of one particular topic. We found that when we we're hired for short, concentrated stints, we we're only seeing one piece of the puzzle, not the whole picture. This method is effective for understanding one key component very well, but doesn’t suit when we’re trying to build software to solve a problem for the whole organisation. So what do we get out of a generalist approach? A wide range of benefits, including the following: Enhanced Collaboration: With a physical presence in your office, we're readily available for impromptu discussions, troubleshooting sessions, and ad-hoc meetings, streamlining communication and project management. Deep Insights: By observing your workspace, team dynamics, and work culture firsthand, we gain invaluable insights that inform our recommendations and decision-making processes. Seamless Integration: Forget the hassle of perfecting everything before engaging a consultant. With us on-site, collaboration becomes iterative, allowing for agile adjustments and reducing the pressure to have everything 'perfect'. Cost-Effective Solutions: Our flexible billing model ensures that clients only pay for the time spent on project-related activities, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional consultancy arrangements. So when are we engaged in these activities? They’re pretty wide ranging, but often fall under the following categories: Organisational Transitions: Facilitating smooth transitions between systems or operational frameworks. Change Management: Guiding teams through shifts in work methodologies and practices. Process Development: Crafting and refining processes and procedures for both new and existing systems. Culture Analysis: Assessing corporate culture and implementing strategic reconfigurations. Skills Gap Analysis: Identifying skill deficiencies and devising actionable plans for recruitment and upskilling. In essence, our "Fly on the Wall Consultancy" offers a steady hand and keen insight in navigating complex projects, especially when the point person in the organisation is grappling with where to begin. By fostering a collaborative environment and embracing a slow-but-steady approach, we simplify the problem-solving process and pave the way for lasting success. Ready to experience the benefits of having someone from HutSix right by your side? Get in touch , and we’ll make it happen.

So, you have a shiny new app and it's time to introduce it to everyone and ensure a seamless experience for both your team and clients. You may be thinking, ‘we’ve paid HutSix to develop a scope to determine our needs, why do we need to pay them to develop the software but not test it - why do we have to do that?' – great point! The reason being, you know your team, stakeholders and clients better than we ever could. We like to think our scoping is pretty good, but there’s no way we can predict every possible edge case, scenario and curveball before we get working on your system. It’s only through user testing, experience and feedback that we get to learn how to tweak your system to best suit your needs and to evolve as it does. Our team will never know what it’s like to work with Glenda in accounts. Or that one client that always seems to be one with the complicated requests. Or the employee that keeps forgetting their password. Create a Plan HutSix will work with you to develop an onboarding plan for the initial rollout of a feature, and identify three different user groups. The first is identifying who in your team is best suited to be the guinea pigs (or beta testers in software development terminology). These users will be fairly comfortable using a computer, and are actively involved in the delivery of the program that is being managed by the database. The next group of users you want are people who are involved in the program delivery, but don’t use a computer too often. This is a great group to test a system as they aren’t constantly in the application all the time, so they are a perfect test on how intuitive the system really is. The last user group is users who may be more technologically challenged. The reason we recommend engaging this user group at the end, is because by this point, ideally 70 - 90% of your team has now used the app at least once and is semi-confident in their ability. This means that the team can collectively help each other troubleshoot problems, instead of forming a bottle neck back to you, the testing ring leader. Create a handover flyer We often get requests from clients for extensive documentation on their app, which we politely decline. The reason isn’t because we don’t want to do it (although, it is a bit boring if we’re being honest), but because we find that users don't actually use it. Instead, we recommend a fact sheet, which is easy to stick up in the tea room and email out to people. We’re able to create this for our clients if they’re interested, or you can create it yourself. We recommend it adhering to the following requirements: Keep it to one page Include the following instructions: Write out the URL for the app List the internet browsers that you can use to access the app Provide instructions on how someone’s username will be set up Provide instructions on how to reset the password Who to talk to if you’re stuck Once you’ve got that distributed around your offices, it’s a great resource to lean on to make sure everyone can access the app and has a quick resource on where to go for simple questions and help themselves first. Tell HutSix Feedback on how implementing the feature has gone should be delivered back to the HutSix team in a consistent manner - we want to know what your questions, problems, wins and new ideas are! This type of testing is called customer test-driven development (CTDD). CTDD encompasses anything beyond unit and integration testing - which are done by and for the engineers - which may include functional, system, stress, security and usability testing. What's next? Now that your app is seamlessly integrated into your team's workflow, it's crucial to maintain regular check-ins and keep communication lines open. Stay connected with us as we ensure your app evolves in sync with your ever-evolving needs.

As we bid adieu to 2023, buckle up as we take you through the highs, the lows, and all the fabulous bits in between! Grab your beverage of choice, be it champagne or something that tickles your fancy, and let's reflect on the rollercoaster ride that was the past year. Client Chronicles: Onboarding Triumphs We've welcomed new clients into the fold, helping them part ways with the tedium of Excel spreadsheets. Watching them break free from the clutches of endless cells and formulas is nothing short of exhilarating. This has allowed teams across the country to implement innovative tools to find efficiencies, boost reporting accuracy, and streamline our processes. New Digs: Hello Lot Fourteen We've levelled up to a sleek and inspiring workspace in Tech Central at Lot FourteenOur new neighbours are as diverse as they are talented, and we're already dreaming up collaborations that will take us to new heights. The coffee (or hot chocolate) machine works like a dream, and the view isn't too shabby either. Thanks to our sister company bellette for designing the space to bring a pop of purple to the walls of Tech Central. Work Anniversaries: A Year of Cheers A round of applause for Ross, Stewart, and Sam! These fantastic devs have weathered the storm and danced in the rain with us for over a whole year, making our team a whole lot better. Your dedication, hard work, and the occasional dad joke or meme have made our team a whole lot better. Team Tango: Embracing Change and Celebrations This year witnessed some shifts in personnel that have injected renewed energy into our dynamic workplace. Several familiar faces moved on to explore new horizons, and the best part? They're not just navigating; they're flourishing. New Kids on the Block: Welcome Jyah & Chris This year marked the arrival of not one, but two stellar additions to our team: Jyah, our Operations Support Officer, and Chris, joining us as a Mid-level Software Engineer.! With Jyah's keen eye for detail and passion for smooth operations, she brings a valuable touch to our team dynamic. Chris brings a breadth of front end experience to our team, and can lean on his career experience in healthcare to share his knowledge with our team and clients. They’re both based in Adelaide, and are able to utilise our swanky new space at Lot Fourteen to conduct their work. Empowering Change: Workshop on Social Impact in Careers and Businesses In July, we partnered with HerTechPath and Forte Education for a values-led workshop, providing a platform for discussions, inspiration, and overcoming the mid-year hump. The interactive agenda included thought-provoking activities, group discussions, and guided self-reflection exercises, exploring how to integrate social impact into careers, build purpose-driven businesses, and measure the influence of actions. Balancing financial sustainability with social betterment, the workshop sparked meaningful conversations, leaving attendees with actionable insights for personal and professional growth. Tour de HutSix: Verifying the Faces Behind the Screens In the spirit of connecting beyond the virtual realm, we embarked on a "Tour de HutSix," a journey that took us to the cities of our colleagues who have been diligently working from the comfort of their homes. This trip took Amy and Erika to Adelaide, Canberra and Sydney all in a week! Armed with smiles and a collective curiosity to confirm whether our colleagues indeed have legs (spoiler alert: they do!), the ”tour” was a lovely mix of professional acknowledgment and personal connection. Adelaide Adventure: Conference Chronicles The highlight of our year? Our third annual conference, hosted in sunny Adelaide. From insightful presentations to process building sessions, and fancy dinners out in the big smoke, our time in Adelaide was nothing short of special. A Toast to What Lies Ahead As we toast to the accomplishments of the past year, let's harness this momentum for an even more remarkable 2024. May it be filled with abundant joy, significant milestones, and countless cherished moments. Thank you for your support in 2023, we can’t wait to keep working together in 2024.

Dearest reader, we've got a hot topic on our hands – the idea of forcing our team to work from the office. Let's cut right to the chase: at HutSix, we'll never, ever make our employees endure the daily grind from a cubicle. Why, you ask? Well, grab a cup of tea, or something stronger if you prefer, and let us break it down for you. Freedom Reigns We believe in the power of freedom. Freedom to choose where you work, when you work, and how you work. Our team is filled with responsible, motivated adults who know how to get the job done, whether they're at home, in a coffee shop, or lounging in their pjs. So why shackle them to an office desk? It's just not our style. Creativity Knows No Bounds Inspiration doesn't come with an office address. It can strike at any time, anywhere. We encourage our employees to embrace their creative genius, and sometimes, that means working in a cosy nook, by the beach, or under a tree in the park. We've even had some brilliant ideas come to life during a pilates session! You can't put a price on that kind of freedom. Life Is Not a 9-to-5 The traditional 9-to-5 grind is so last century. Our team members have lives outside of work, and we cherish that fact. We understand that life happens, and sometimes, you just need to adjust your schedule. Whether it's a midday doctor's appointment or taking care of the kids, we're all for it. We trust our team to manage their time wisely. Traffic, Commutes, and Stress - Oh My! Nobody enjoys spending hours stuck in traffic or dealing with a never-ending commute. We've all been there, and it's no fun. At HutSix, we spare our team from this daily nightmare. Instead, they can use that time to do what they love – be it more work, a hobby, or just chilling out. Family and Wellbeing First We're all about work-life balance, and we'll never compromise on that. Forcing employees to work from an office doesn't align with our values. We support our team in putting family and wellbeing first. A happy, well rested, and stress-free team is a productive one. Embracing Office Vibes and Human Interaction It's important to note that we're all about choices. We have a vibrant office space that's always open for those who crave the buzz of the workplace or thrive on face-to-face interactions. Some of our team members choose to work from the office because they adore the camaraderie, the energy, and the human connections that come with it. It's all about catering to individual preferences, and we support our team members in making the choice that best suits their work style and personality. It's about striking that perfect balance between remote freedom and the lively office atmosphere. Join the Revolution We encourage other organisations to join the remote work revolution. Embrace the flexibility, trust your team, and let them spread their wings – not just in the office, but wherever they thrive. It's the future, and we're here to make it happen. In a world that's constantly evolving, so should our approach to work. At HutSix, we'll never (ever) force our employees into an office cage. We value freedom, creativity, and work-life balance. Join us in this fantastic journey towards a future where work can happen wherever your heart desires. Cheers to a more flexible, happier, and productive work environment!