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Travel

FooEngine is a fully remote company, and travel plays an important role in how we collaborate, build relationships, and represent the company externally. While most work is done remotely, there are times when travelling in person adds meaningful value.

How much you travel will vary by role. Some roles, particularly client-facing or commercial roles, may involve higher expectations around travel, while others may travel rarely or not at all. Both are entirely valid at FooEngine.

This section explains how we think about travel and what's expected in practice. Formal rules on booking, approvals, and reimbursement are set out in the Travel Expenses Policy and Expense Requests & Approvals Policy.

Traveling to Clients

FooEngine works remotely by default, but from time to time you may be expected to travel for client-related activities such as:

  • Client pitches
  • Kick-off meetings
  • Workshops or training sessions
  • Launch processes
  • Relationship-building meetings

When travelling to clients, the guiding principle is delivering value, not luxury.

  • Economy travel is the default
  • For long-haul travel where you are expected to attend meetings immediately on arrival, upgraded travel may be appropriate — this should be discussed with your manager in advance
  • Any exceptions should follow the approval process outlined in the Travel Expenses Policy

If you are unsure whether travel is required, discuss it with your manager.

Conferences and Events

As part of your role, you may attend conferences and events. These generally fall into three categories.

Events attended on behalf of FooEngine

These include:

  • Client workshops or on-sites
  • Business development, sales, or marketing events
  • Hiring or partner events

For these events:

  • Accommodation is typically 3–4★ or equivalent
  • Airbnb or shared accommodation is acceptable if preferred
  • Client or partner entertainment may be appropriate, with an agreed budget
  • If travel or events require weekend work, this may be balanced with time off in lieu, in line with flexible working expectations

Budgets and expectations should be discussed in advance.

Professional development events

Events attended primarily for learning and development are covered by the Professional Development guidance.

Attendance should always be discussed with your manager so expectations around time, costs, and outcomes are clear.

Community events

FooEngine values open-source and community involvement and supports attendance where possible.

Because these events are not always driven by a direct business need, we ask that:

  • Costs are kept reasonable (budget accommodation, shared stays where possible)
  • On-the-ground spending is modest
  • Time is managed flexibly rather than taking additional time off in lieu
  • Annual spend stays within agreed limits unless an exception is approved

These guidelines help ensure community participation remains sustainable and fair as the company grows.

Lead roles at events

Taking on a lead or organiser role at an event can be time-intensive.

Before committing to a lead role, you should:

  • Discuss workload and wellbeing with your manager
  • Agree how your usual responsibilities will be managed
  • Seek approval for larger commitments involving significant time or cost

Time Off After Travel

Travel undertaken as part of your role counts as working time.

If travel or events require you to work on days you would not normally work:

  • Full days worked may be taken back as time off in lieu, where appropriate
  • Shorter periods should normally be balanced using flexible working
  • Community events are treated differently and usually do not accrue lieu time

Always keep your manager and team informed when flexing time or taking time off in lieu.

Traveling While Working

As a location-agnostic company, FooEngine supports travelling while working, provided expectations are met.

If you are travelling while working:

  • You are expected to continue meeting role, project, and team commitments
  • Availability and time zones should be clearly communicated
  • Meetings should be attended from suitable environments
  • Reliable internet access is essential

Good practice includes:

  • Keeping your team informed of your location
  • Planning around time zone differences
  • Using appropriate audio equipment
  • Choosing travel options that minimise disruption where possible

Exceptions

These guidelines are not exhaustive. If something does not clearly fit within them, start by discussing it with your manager. Larger exceptions involving time or cost may require approval under the Travel Expenses Policy.

General Guidelines

  • Don't talk about client work on the phone in public.
  • Don't play audio out loud in public.
  • Only work on company or client materials in environments where screens and documents cannot be viewed by unauthorised individuals.