AEP Hawaii’s Post

Just a few of my observations living/working here: While the (mainland) perception is we're on the beach or surfing all day, that couldn't be farther from the truth. I've worked more hrs/days/nights/after-hrs & holidays here - than anywhere else (exception of a startup) The dedication of the folks I've worked w/ are unmatched. Everyone wants to help in any way they can. (Kokua) Lots of overlooked, talented folks from here or moved here because of the environment, sense of community or like-minded views about one's own life, means you're getting talent w/ a clear headspace. Hawai'i allows people to be IN their life, not just exist. If you've been lucky enough to experience a great team & feeling of family (ohana) then amplify that beyond the workplace, because that's the other unwritten benefit of living & working here. Timezone can be a huge benefit for both parties. Example: my wife works remotely to tackle the West Coast. She's up early, ready to take on her day - but also available still when it's later on the West Coast. When the normal day is done, she's free around 2pm or so to keep that head clear, enjoy why we're here & be even more refreshed for the next day. Hard to quantify for some employers, but it's very real.

You are 100% right Zack. Prior to my current role, I worked remotely from Hawaii for 6+ years for two major corporations. I thank Korn Ferry and Hilton for giving me the opportunity to contribute to their growth. The Hawaiian workforce is adaptable and flexible to mainland deadlines, meetings and other commitments. When I had clients in APAC, our time zone was an asset. Employers are limiting their options when they don't consider the Hawaiin workforce.

💯 Spitting the truth! Keep up the good fight, let me know if I can be of any help. I have been rejected from remote positions where I was wholly qualified for, but was told my location was an issue. Even with the timezone difference, there have been a lot of orgs where I've been awake and working before my east coast colleagues. As the kids nowadays would say: facts, no printer 📠🚫🖨

Hawaii's time zone can also be a benefit in some scenarios if considered as such & implemented as a time bridge to APAC for mainland. Having lead globally distributed teams, even PST can result in production delays due to communication challenges/wait time with APAC workers due to polar opposite times that are poor for all parties.

+10000 Just want to say Mahalo to the companies that offered me a remote role while I was in Hawaii prior to my current position. They recognized that having a HST based teammate expanded their team time zone and really took a shot with me. Also want to give quick shout out to the Recruiters who rejected me for their US-based remote role because "Hawaii wasn't part of the US" or "Hawaii is far how will you work in our hours" 😎

Would love to share this with our Hawai’i Women in Tech network. Please feel free to send me details that we can pass on.

Agree with this after years of working in Hawaii. I will say if you’re working in Hawaii, highly suggest putting a flexible foot forward on time to your employer. Sometimes showing up live (via video) for team meetings makes a big difference.

This right here is what I'm talking about!! Zack Hernandez Thank you for being bold enough to address this challenge head on. Hawaii won't be ignore much longer. Excited to see more come from you and the AEP Hawaii team. Let's gooooo.

Thanks for highlighting this issue! I've had convos with folks struggling to land remote jobs due to these very challenges so I'm stoked to see that AEP is proactively addressing these barriers. If it's remote, Hawaii should be in the mix, no question.

Love this — Hawaii really has a special place in my heart. I would love for mainland employers to support Hawaii contractors more. Plus — the excise tax for the contractor is advantageous for off-island 1099 income.