PRODUCTION

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Computer Hardware

You will be spending the bulk of your time working for Mellenger using these tools, so we want to set you up for success with the best kit we can.

For a variety of reasons, using an Apple Mac laptop leads to minimal tech support issues and maximum productivity. Employees will be given a laptop when they start, and are expected to return it when they leave. You can really treat it as if it's your laptop, but remember that you will need to remove any stickers when you return it (other than Mellenger branding).

An external monitor is also a must, and we will set you up with a 27" or 32" full colour gamut display with USB-C so you can have one adaptor for charging and display. Here is a typical configuration based on role:

Administration / Project Manager / Copywriter

Apple MacBook Air M series
- 16GB Ram
- 512GB SSD
- AppleCare

Developer / Designer

Apple MacBook Pro M series
- 32GB Ram
- 1TB SSD
- AppleCare
- 4k monitor

Other Computer Hardware

If you need any other hardware for optimal productivity, please ask and you shall receive. Examples include: mouse, trackpad, external keyboard, mousepad, laptop stand, docking station, dongles, extra chargers, etc.

Software Setup Guide

Software and Local Setup

Once you get your new laptop, email and Slack accounts, you'll need to do some configuration and installation. Here's our basic software stack for all employees at the moment:

Slack Desktop
Google Chrome (logged in with your @mellenger email)
Harvest
Zoom (choose Macs with Apple Silicon chips)
Apple Mail and Calendar (configured with your @mellenger.com email)

Developers and Designers will have additional software requirements. Click through for detailed setup instructions.

Mobile Phone Requirements

We'll try not to bug you on your phone (texts, calls, DMs, pokes, WhatsApps, etc) but Mellenger gives you a ton of flexibility when it comes to where and when you work.

If you're the type of person who's always at your desk and reachable, then there's no need to install Slack on your personal phone. If you could be popping to gym, running an errand or going for lunch during work hours, then we encourage you to install Slack on your phone so you can respond to any emergency situations that may come up.

You can always mute it or mark yourself as away, but if we can't get to you on Slack we will keep trying on other channels :)

BYOD Requirements

Are you one of those odd individuals who likes the smell of burning solder flux and misses the good old days of BSODs, incompatible drivers, Malware and accidentally kicking the cord and losing all your work?

We don't want to judge people who refuse the Apple ecosystem for cultural or religious reasons, and if that is how you would like to express yourself then this is a safe space to do it.

The only issue is that any configuration, reinstallation, upgrades, DDEV rebuilds, RAM replacements, or work loss that happens with your personal hardware isn't covered by Mellenger. You'll have to fix your PC on your own time and recover your missing work. Please read the Software Setup Guide for additional info on how to keep your work backed up.

Besides PC parts, we'll help you with any other hardware you need (like external monitors, laptop, mice, stands, UPS's, etc.)

Hybrid Work Model

We have an office that you can work at as much as you want. We have 24hr access to it and it can be a clean, quiet space to work.

Full time Mellenger employees should strive to be in the office Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays.

A typical week might look like:

Monday in the office by 9 for the weekly WIP at 10
Tuesday WFH and focus time
Wednesday in office for internal project discussions
Thursday WFH and focus time
Friday in the office for team lunch and project retros

If working from home is tough, you can always come to the office on the other days.

Our schedule is designed this way, rather than most hybrid work places that do Tues-Wed-Thurs so that the stats are replacing in-office days rather than the focus GTD days.

Home Work Environment Expectations

Besides having somewhere to work without distractions, you need a proper chair, good internet and power.

Some things to think about:

Take a break and go for a walk at some point.
Your elbow should be at the desk height and your monitor should be configured so you can look straight at it.
I'm not saying never work from the couch, but you need a dedicated space to get into "work mode".
Chores suddenly seem so fun when you need to be writing an operating manual... Don't do it!

Get more tips for optimizing your workspace ergonomics in Benefits.

Office Access

The Vancouver office is available anytime 24/7. To get into the office you can buzz 008 at the front buzzer. This will ring Andrew's phone and he can buzz you in. After you get in, go to the 3rd floor and the office is #304.

You should have a door code set up to use to access the office. If not, just ask Andrew to set one up.

#304 - 228 E 4th Ave
Vancouver, BC

Mellenger Office Zoom Meeting Instructions

Open the "Sideloader App" by clicking on the Gray and white icon.
A range of app options will appear. Scroll down to the bottom and select Zoom (avoid clicking on the first Zoom icon).
Enter the first few digits of the meeting ID. Autofill should then complete the rest. Select the correct autofilled meeting ID (use the remote, as the mouse may not work for this step). Manually enter the full ID if autofill does not contain the desired meeting.
Once the correct meeting ID is entered, It will then prompt you for the meeting password.
Once you've entered the password there may be a brief glitch that makes it appear as if the app is crashing but it will recover. Next click on the "Join Audio" button on the left. Then, select "Wi-Fi Audio" (it's much easier to do this with a mouse than with a remote).
To display the ideal gallery view on the main Zoom meeting screen after connecting to the audio, use your mouse to click and hold on the right side of the screen and then drag it towards the left and then release the click. This will allow you to see all the participants in the meeting.
Smile and enjoy the meeting :)

Side note:

During the process, certain steps may be more conveniently executed with the use of a remote, while others may be better suited for a mouse. Ultimately, it is at the discretion of the user to determine which method to employ.

Setup 1Password to Access Project Sites

In the office, we use 1password for password management. It eliminates the necessity to cut and paste passwords from documents into webpages.

1Password is more secure than saving passwords in files on your laptop or cloud. It uses AES-256 encryption, a unique Secret Key, and a master password, protecting against unauthorized access. Unencrypted files are vulnerable to hacks, while 1Password ensures secure syncing and robust protection.

Account Setup

If you have not received an invite to your 1pw account, please ask your PM. During account activation, you will be given a PDF (that includes a secret key) - be sure to keep a copy of that PDF in case you need to reset your 1pw password.

Once your account is set up download the browser extension and the laptop application.

Downloads

Browser extension

The browser extension will auto-populate form fields with login credentials. Download and activate it in any of the leading browsers:

https://1password.com/downloads/browser-extension

Desktop application

Downloading the desktop application in addition to the browser extension provides additional time-saving benefits, including: Shared unlock state/biometrics (no repeated logins); quick Access shortcuts; vault management/editing offline; autofill in desktop apps; longer sessions

It’s worth it - download links are here:

Usage

Once the extension is installed, make sure you’re logged in.

Login

When you’re not logged in, the browser extension icon will display a lock icon. The lock icon will also appear on any site forms. Click the icon to login.

Choose your Credentials to Login

When logged in, a dropdown selection of the credentials available for that website or app will appear. Click the username/credentials you want to use to login with.

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