In today’s digital-first world, distributed work is no longer a trend—it’s the new standard for engineering and technology teams. As organizations expand across geographies, the challenge is not just about enabling remote work, but about intentionally designing cultures, processes, and platforms that foster collaboration, innovation, and knowledge sharing at scale. At Publicis Sapient, we believe that InnerSource principles are the key to unlocking the full potential of distributed engineering teams, creating resilient, high-performing cultures that thrive regardless of location.
It’s easy to conflate remote work with distributed work, but the difference is profound. Remote work is simply about where people are located—outside the traditional office. Distributed work, however, is an organizational mindset. It’s about designing collaboration, culture, and technology so that teams can thrive together, wherever they are. As John Maeda, Publicis Sapient’s Chief Experience Officer, puts it: “You can be working alone, remotely; but need to work in a group to be distributed.”
Drawing on our experience guiding global engineering organizations through transformation, we’ve identified five foundational pillars that underpin successful distributed engineering teams:
Distributed teams must move beyond mere cooperation—working in parallel—to true collaboration, where shared goals and outcomes are embraced. This means breaking down silos, leveraging digital tools for real-time feedback, and fostering a culture where ideas flow freely across disciplines and locations. Agile, cross-functional teams empowered to make decisions and iterate quickly are at the heart of this approach.
In a distributed environment, “place” is no longer a physical office but a digital space where teams gather, share, and create. Establishing strong digital foundations—through platforms that foster connection, transparency, and knowledge sharing—creates a sense of belonging and purpose. Collaboration suites, real-time editing, and transparent communication channels are essential to building this digital workplace.
No technology can compensate for a lack of psychological safety. Distributed work flourishes when people feel safe to share ideas, take risks, and be themselves. This requires inclusive practices, support for diverse perspectives, and leadership behaviors that ensure every voice is heard. Psychological safety is the foundation of high-performing teams, enabling experimentation, learning from failure, and continuous improvement.
The right tools are essential, but technology must serve people—not the other way around. Successful distributed organizations deeply understand both their technological capabilities and the needs of their people, selecting tools that enhance productivity, mindfulness, and well-being. Cloud-based platforms, AI-driven insights, and automation can accelerate delivery, but must be implemented with a focus on user experience and accessibility.
Distributed work is not a static state. It requires ongoing attention to culture, values, and behaviors. At Publicis Sapient, we use digital channels and frameworks to reinforce our core values, share new thinking, and help both new and existing team members stay connected to our evolving story. Regular communication, recognition of achievements, and opportunities for feedback are vital to sustaining engagement and alignment.
InnerSource applies open source principles within the enterprise, enabling teams to collaborate openly across organizational boundaries. For distributed engineering teams, InnerSource is a catalyst for:
At Publicis Sapient, we have seen InnerSource double the number of contributors in just six months, with measurable improvements in productivity, quality, and employee satisfaction.
To build psychologically safe, inclusive, and digitally connected distributed teams using InnerSource, leaders should:
Emerging technologies—augmented and virtual reality, AI-driven collaboration, and immersive digital experiences—will continue to shape the future of distributed work. But the heart of distributed engineering culture remains human: building trust, fostering inclusion, and enabling people to do their best work together, wherever they are.
At Publicis Sapient, we see distributed work not just as a response to change, but as a catalyst for transformation. By embracing the pillars of distributed culture and leveraging InnerSource, organizations can build resilient, collaborative, and high-performing engineering teams—ready for whatever comes next.
Ready to unlock the future of distributed work? Let’s start the conversation.