2020 has been a year of transformation as many businesses switched to remote work to continue their operations amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Although remote working was a novelty in many organizations, the trend is not new, and several businesses have been operating remotely for a while.
Navigating the challenges of secure communication, efficient collaboration, and work-life balance can be daunting, and choosing an employer who already has it all figured out can make all the difference. Therefore, we take a closer look at the best remote companies to work for in 2021, with insights from employees who have first-hand experience with these organizations.
1. HubStaff
HubStaff is a software company that provides remote teams with software solutions to manage their workload efficiently. The organization is based in Indianapolis and has a global team working remotely. As a remote-first company, HubStaff is a go-to for professionals seeking a flexible, remote work environment.
One HubStaff remote employee, Robert, says, “HubStaff allows me to choose my work hours and work from anywhere in the world, as long as I complete my tasks. Moreover, their communication and productivity tools are unparalleled, which makes remote collaboration seamless.”
2. Automattic
Automattic, the organization behind WordPress, is a remote company by design, with a team of approximately 1,200 employees located in 77 countries. As a deliberate remote organization, Automattic provides its employees with generous benefits, including a sabbatical program and open-ended vacation policy.
Automattic employee, Laura, praises the company’s unique work culture. “There is an incredible sense of camaraderie at Automattic; everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand,” remarks Laura. “Additionally, the company provides all the tools and equipment necessary to get the job done.”
3. GitLab
GitLab is a web-based Git repository manager that is used to host software code. The company is a remote-first organization with more than 1,300 employees in over 67 countries. As a remote-first company, GitLab holds periodic virtual meetups to ensure remote employees feel connected and valued.
Employee, Andy, praises GitLab’s remote work culture, “The company’s culture is based on trust, transparency, and collaboration, which are essential for any remote team. Additionally, the company’s focus on work-life balance ensures that I can enjoy my personal life while delivering excellent results.”
4. Appen
Appen is a data annotation and collection company that provides machine learning data to companies worldwide. Appen has over 1 million remote contractors from 130 countries, delivering their services to companies like Google, Microsoft and Amazon.
An Appen remote employee, Tom, remarked, “Appen allows me to work from home, and I can choose the projects I work on. The company provides adequate support, making the learning curve easy when starting in data annotation.”
In conclusion, the adoption of remote work has transformed not only the working environment but also the job market. Several organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of remote working to both employees and the organization. The four companies mentioned in this article are pioneers in remote work and provide a fertile ground for professionals looking for flexibility in their work, work-life balance, and an innovative remote work culture.