Top 10 Companies With a Remote-First Approach

Top companies that have embraced the remote and hybrid models

In a transformative era marked by changing work dynamics, several prominent companies are reshaping their approaches to accommodate the evolving needs of their workforce. From embracing remote-first models to adopting hybrid structures, these strategic shifts reflect a commitment to adaptability and inclusivity. Let's explore how industry leaders such as HubSpot, Quora, Slack, Coinbase, Upwork, Shopify, Box, Fujitsu, Zillow, and Basecamp are redefining work culture and fostering environments that prioritize flexibility and employee well-being.

1. Hubspot

Effective in 2021, HubSpot, as communicated by Chief People Officer Katie Burke, announced a transition to a hybrid remote-office model, shedding the 'ish' in 'remote-ish.' This strategic shift aims for career growth equity, accommodating employees who thrive in either office or home environments. Emphasizing fairness to their workforce and fostering pride in long-term company growth, HubSpot embraces a model that acknowledges and respects diverse work preferences. The commitment to a hybrid approach reflects an adaptive response to the evolving landscape of work preferences and solidifies HubSpot's dedication to an inclusive and employee-centric work environment.

2. Quora

Quora's CEO, Adam D'Angelo, announced a pivotal shift in the company's work culture, declaring, "We are going fully remote first at Quora." Revealing a unanimous preference among most employees to eschew office return post-COVID, D'Angelo emphasized his personal commitment to remote work, extending it to the leadership teams. The comprehensive shift towards a remote-first orientation is reflected in all company policies, solidifying Quora's dedication to embracing a flexible and decentralized work model aligned with contemporary trends and employee preferences.

3. Slack

Slack's SVP of People, Robby Kwok, outlined a transformative shift in the company's structure. Embracing a more distributed model, Slack is affording the majority of its employees the permanent option to work remotely while also actively seeking new hires who will be permanently remote. This strategic move reflects Slack's commitment to flexibility and acknowledges the evolving nature of work preferences. By offering a permanent remote work option, Slack aims to enhance its workforce's work-life balance and adaptability, fostering a more inclusive and accommodating work environment.

4. Coinbase

In a blog post on May 20, 2020, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong announced the company's commitment to a "remote-first" approach even after quarantine restrictions were lifted. This signifies a shift in the company's work culture, providing the majority of employees the flexibility to choose between working in an office or remotely. Emphasizing the need for an organizational mindset change, Armstrong highlighted that the "remote-first" approach would require a collective adjustment in work practices. Coinbase's decision reflects a broader trend in the tech industry, acknowledging the transformative impact of remote work and adapting policies to accommodate a more flexible and decentralized work environment.

5. Upwork

Upwork CEO Hayden Brown communicated a transformative shift in the company's operational model. Leveraging two decades of experience as a remote work pioneer, Upwork is decisively adopting a "remote-first" approach. This strategic evolution builds on the proven success of distributed teams in delivering remarkable outcomes. Upwork's commitment to a permanent remote-first model underscores the company's confidence in the effectiveness of remote work, reflecting a strategic alignment with contemporary workplace trends. The move emphasizes Upwork's dedication to providing an adaptable and productive work environment that capitalizes on the advantages of remote collaboration.

6. Shopify

In a tweet on May 21, 2020, Shopify CEO Tobi Lutke declared a transformative shift for the company, stating it is now a "digital by default" organization. With offices remaining closed until 2021 for redesigning aligned with the new remote work reality, Shopify embraces a permanent transition toward a predominantly remote work model. Lutke's announcement marks a departure from traditional office-centric approaches, reflecting the company's commitment to adaptability and acknowledging the ongoing trend of remote-first work culture in the tech industry. This strategic move positions Shopify at the forefront of companies embracing the evolving landscape of work dynamics.

7. Box

In a blog post dated May 22, 2020, Box CEO Aaron Levie announced a pivotal shift in the company's work culture, emphasizing a move towards increased flexibility. The transition to a more flexible work model signifies a departure from the traditional office-centric approach. Even before the pandemic, approximately 15% of Box's workforce operated remotely, and Levie anticipates a considerable surge in this percentage over time. This strategic adaptation aligns with evolving workplace trends, reflecting Box's commitment to accommodating diverse work arrangements and fostering an environment that enables more employees, termed "Boxers," to work from any location.

8. Fujitsu

Fujitsu, in a groundbreaking move, unveiled a comprehensive plan on July 6, 2020, signaling a paradigm shift toward a remote-first approach. The company articulated its commitment to fostering a dynamic work culture where employees would predominantly operate remotely. This transformative initiative aims to empower employees with greater flexibility in managing their time based on work requirements and personal lifestyles. Fujitsu's innovative program allows staff the autonomy to choose their work locations, be it from the comfort of home, a central corporate hub, or a satellite office, emphasizing the company's dedication to accommodating diverse working preferences.

9. X (Earlier Twitter)

In a statement to CNN Business on May 12, 2020, X's (formerly Twitter) vice president of people, Jennifer Christie, announced a groundbreaking shift in the company's work policy. Embracing a flexible approach, Christie stated, "If our employees are in a role and situation that enables them to work from home and they want to continue to do so forever, we will make that happen." This bold commitment to perpetual remote work reflects X's dedication to accommodating diverse employee preferences, acknowledging the potential for sustained productivity and well-being in a work-from-home setup.

10. Basecamp

Basecamp, led by Founder & CEO Jason Fried, makes a bold commitment to a fully remote work model. With their office lease concluding, Fried tweeted, "Lease is up. Cleaning out our office." This decision aligns with Basecamp's longstanding expertise and advocacy for remote work, emphasized by Fried's authorship of a book on the subject and the provision of a remote work tool. Notably, Basecamp was already operating at approximately 90% remote work before this strategic move, solidifying its dedication to a flexible and decentralized work approach in the modern professional landscape.