WFH is here to stay: 20 companies defying the return-to-office trend
In recent years, the shift to remote work has been nothing short of monumental. What started as a temporary solution to the global pandemic has transformed into a long-term strategy for many organisations. As companies have realised the benefits of remote work—ranging from improved employee satisfaction to cost savings—many are choosing to make this model permanent.
While some businesses are calling their employees back into physical offices, several others are standing firm in their commitment to remote work. The companies have embraced permanent work-from-home (WFH), not just offering flexibility; but setting the tone for the future of work, with remote positions that span across industries, ranging from technology to insurance and beyond.
1. Allstate
Allstate, the largest publicly-held insurance company in the U.S., has been offering hybrid and home-based work arrangements for its employees. Since its founding in 1931, Allstate has been known for its commitment to providing excellent customer service, and now, it’s extending that commitment to its employees by offering more flexibility in where they work.
2. Amgen
Amgen, a biotechnology firm that focuses on developing human therapeutics, has taken a "virtual-first approach" to work. This means the company remains open to remote opportunities, allowing employees to contribute to its scientific innovations from anywhere.
3. Aquent
Aquent is a multinational staffing and recruiting agency that places design and marketing professionals in permanent and contract roles. The company made a full transition to remote work, with only a small percentage of its office space used for large meetings or special projects.
4. Atlassian
Founded in 2002, Atlassian is a leading software company that specializes in collaboration and project management tools. Atlassian has made it clear that its employees can work from home permanently, emphasizing that its software is built to support remote work teams effectively.
5. AWeber Communications
AWeber is a software company focused on email marketing for small businesses. The company transitioned to a remote-first model, allowing its team members to work from home and achieve a better work-life balance.
6. Capita plc
Capita plc, a transformation and digital services consultancy, gives its employees the freedom to choose between hybrid work, compressed hours, work from home, or in-office work. This flexibility is a key part of Capita's approach to modernizing workplace dynamics.
7. Cimpress
Cimpress, based in Ireland, specializes in mass-customization businesses, delivering affordable and convenient products. With a remote-first approach, the company allows employees to personalize how and where they work.
8. Coinbase
Coinbase, the cryptocurrency exchange, operates on a remote-first model, making it easier for employees to work from home while being part of a global digital economy.
9. HubSpot
HubSpot is a renowned inbound marketing and sales platform that has adopted a hybrid work model. Employees have the option to work from home the majority of the time or attend the office two or more days per week.
10. Instacart
Instacart, an on-demand food and grocery delivery service, offers a "Flex First" policy that allows employees to live anywhere within the country. The company promotes regular in-person gatherings for collaboration and team building.
11. Okta
Okta, a leader in identity and access management, is also remote-first, providing employees the flexibility to work from home while safeguarding the digital identity of businesses across the world.
12. Pinterest
Pinterest, the popular social media platform, has created a flexible work model called PinFlex, encouraging employees to work from home or choose from other virtual locations within their region.
13. Reddit
Reddit, a platform that connects people based on shared interests, offers employees the option to choose permanent remote work while still providing the option to visit the office in a relaxed, casual setting.
14. Ryder
Ryder, a global transportation and supply chain management company, has shifted to remote and hybrid work, aligning with modern needs for flexibility in the workforce.
15. SoFi – Social Finance
SoFi, a leading financial technology company, offers optional remote work, with employees working closely with their managers to determine the best setup for each individual.
16. Spotify
Spotify, the popular music streaming service, has adopted a work-from-anywhere program that allows team members to work where they feel most productive—whether that's at home, in the office, or anywhere else.
17. Square, Inc.
Square, known for its payment systems and point-of-sale products, allows many of its employees to work remotely, supporting the company's commitment to a flexible work environment.
18. TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit, a service marketplace that connects people with local freelance labor, has implemented a remote-first strategy, empowering its employees to work from anywhere.
19. Twilio
Twilio, a cloud communications platform, operates as a remote-first company, empowering its employees to work remotely while providing tools for communication and collaboration.
20. Vista
Vista, a platform that helps small businesses with design and marketing, has embraced a remote-first culture, allowing its employees to work from anywhere.
As the pandemic-driven shift toward remote work continues to evolve, companies are increasingly recognizing the value of offering flexible work arrangements to their employees. Remote-first policies are gaining traction, with many organizations seeing significant benefits, including increased productivity, enhanced employee satisfaction, and cost savings on office space.