How Shopify builds a high-intensity culture | Farhan Thawar (VP and Head of Eng)

What is Shopify's approach to creating intensity?

Shopify's philosophy on intensity revolves around maximizing output and efficiency without compromising on quality. Instead of extending work hours, the focus is on doing more in the same amount of time. This unique approach significantly impacts their work culture by fostering a high-energy environment.

• Maximizing Output Per Minute: The company emphasizes getting more done in each minute rather than increasing working hours. This approach allows employees to maintain a work-life balance while enhancing productivity.

• Use of Advanced Techniques: Techniques like pair programming help maintain focus and prevent distractions, thereby enhancing productivity within the given time frame.

• Regular Check-Ins: Weekly updates and six-week reviews keep teams aligned and ensure that projects are progressing at the desired pace. These check-ins serve as opportunities to verify progress and address any roadblocks promptly.

• Embracing Change Quickly: Frequent updates allow for rapid responses to changes and challenges, ensuring that the company remains agile and competitive in the market.

By integrating these strategies, Shopify optimizes their operational efficiency, creating a culture of intensity that drives significant results.

How does pair programming enhance productivity at Shopify?

Pair programming, an innovative approach to software development, involves two engineers working side-by-side (or remotely) on a single computer. At Shopify, this method is central to boosting productivity and fostering collaboration.

By having two minds tackling a problem simultaneously, the approach means engineers focus intensely without distractions, such as social media or unrelated work messages. This leads to higher quality solutions, as real-time feedback occurs instantly, significantly reducing the error rates often encountered when working solo. Additionally, it serves as a powerful learning tool, as developers, particularly less experienced ones, gain valuable insights from their counterparts, accelerating their skill development.

At Shopify, pair programming isn't just a theoretical best practice; it's a daily reality. The company embraces this methodology in their engineering teams, seamlessly integrating it into their workflows to enhance their overall engineering practices. This method also ensures knowledge sharing and reduces the silos often found in development environments, fostering a vibrant culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Implementing pair programming effectively underpins Shopify's commitment to efficiency and excellence in their software development processes.

What role do meetings play in Shopify's culture?

Shopify has a unique approach to meetings that emphasizes reducing distractions and maintaining focus.

• Meeting Armageddon: Annually, Shopify executes a "Meeting Armageddon," where it deletes all recurring meetings that involve more than two people (excluding one-on-ones and external meetings). This practice aims to minimize unnecessary gatherings that typically consume valuable time.

• Two-Week Moratorium: Following the Armageddon, there's a two-week pause on scheduling new recurring meetings. This period encourages employees to reconsider and only schedule meetings that truly add value.

• Efficient Check-ins: Weekly updates and bi-monthly six-week reviews ensure continuous progress alignment without excessive meetings. These check-ins facilitate rapid feedback loops and help teams stay focused on their objectives.

By creating this environment, Shopify maintains a culture that maximizes productivity while minimizing time wasted on unnecessary meetings.

How does Shopify's hiring process differ from traditional methods?

Far from traditional interviews, Shopify emphasizes job trials and internships as key elements in its hiring strategy.

• Job Trials: Candidates are encouraged to demonstrate their skills through real-world tasks rather than standard interviews. This reflects a practical approach, focusing on actual ability over theoretical responses.

• Internship Programs: With plans to hire a thousand interns in 2025, Shopify's internship program acts as an extended interview. Interns engage in meaningful work, allowing both them and Shopify to evaluate fit over several months.

• Real-World Evaluation: By opting for this hands-on evaluation method, the company accurately assesses a candidate's ability to integrate and perform within its unique culture.

Shopify's hiring philosophy promotes long-term success, ensuring that both candidates and the company benefit from a more accurate representation of skills and compatibility. This innovative approach reshapes how they identify top talent, steering away from conventional interview processes.

What is the significance of code deletion at Shopify?

Deleting code at Shopify is crucial for maintaining simplicity and efficiency in their software development process. By consistently removing unnecessary lines of code, the company ensures its codebase remains clean and manageable.

This practice reduces complexity, which in turn, enhances the performance and reliability of the software. A simplified codebase is easier to navigate, leading to quicker updates and fewer bugs.

To foster this approach, Shopify has established the 'Delete Code Club.' This initiative encourages teams to actively seek and eliminate redundant or obsolete code. During scheduled hack days, dedicated groups focus specifically on code deletion, reflecting the company's commitment to continual improvement.

This philosophy not only streamlines development but also aligns with Shopify's broader goals of operational efficiency and excellence in engineering practices.