Due to global changes and challenges over the years, remote work was mandatory but has now become more normalized in various companies and organizations even once the need for it has passed.
With many employees preferring this way of operating, there is a demand for positions at companies that offer flexible, remote options. So, what are the best remote companies to work for in 2022?
Many companies are looking to ease employees back into the office space for physical interaction, and an attempt to go back to what is considered ‘normal’ workspaces.
But, there are also a large number of companies that realized the value of remote work, from the overhead savings to the increase in production, and most notably, the spike in employee satisfaction.
We review the top companies with flexible and remote working policies that either allow the employee a degree of choice and control over how and where they work or have a fully remote setup across the board.
Best Remote Companies To Work For
Amazon
Amazon is considered a tech giant on a global scale, and jobs at the company are in high demand.
In October 2021, CEO Andy Jassy released a statement saying that despite the company’s previous declaration that employees should be in the office a minimum of three days per week, they had decided to leave the decision up to the individual teams in the organization.
This means that the directors of each team will decide on whether their team is best suited to working from home, coming in a few days a week, or being at the office full-time. This can offer great remote positions in certain teams, depending on what you apply for.
The company values employees being close enough to the office to attend any meetings that come up within a day’s notice. But there is still flexibility, with the option of up to four fully remote weeks per year at any location within the country of employment – a great opportunity for a ‘workation’.
This remote flexibility is exclusive to most corporate roles, though. Many employees are working within the transport and fulfillment departments that need to be onsite throughout, as well as other departments such as stores, and those who design, develop and test products and devices.
Facebook, the social media giant, has redefined flexible, remote workplaces.
In June 2021, the company announced that going forward, any roles at any level that can be done at home, could request remote work.
For the roles that require employees to be in the office, they offered a flexible return with about 50% of time spent on site, and 50% at a remote.
Possibly one of the most attractive features of Facebook’s remote work policies is the opportunity to work remotely from another country. As of June 2021, employees in suitable roles could move from the US to Canada, and in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region employees could move from anywhere to the UK.
From January 2022, employees have had the opportunity to make a permanent move between a further seven countries in the EMEA region.
This is ideal for employees who want to explore the world and experience living in new places. You can move around while maintaining a stable job.
If you are looking for a remote role at Facebook, be sure to double-check any job listings for details about whether the role you are applying for can be done remotely or not. Alternatively, you can reach out to the recruiter for details.
Apple
Apple has formulated a hybrid solution to remote work for its employees.
The current plan is to ease employees back into the workspace with a few days a week over the next few months, while still offering some degree of flexibility.
Employees begin this phasing-in process from April 11, when they will be required to be at the office one day a week. By the third week, this will increase to two days a week.
From May 23, 2022, the final phase will kick in where employees will be required to be at the office on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
This is ideal for those looking for a balance in the way that they work. Having a few days of work from home allows flexibility to incorporate other activities into the day, and the days at the office are good for social interaction and any face-to-face meetings that need to take place.
An upside to the hybrid model is that the company will also offer employees the opportunity to work remotely for up to four weeks a year.
Microsoft
Microsoft has adopted a hybrid work-from-home solution.
With this model, employees are expected to collaborate with managers and supervisors to figure out a schedule and location that is best suited to the team, as well as individual roles and responsibilities.
This means that employees in some teams or departments might be fully back in the office, while others might work remotely permanently. There may also be many teams that split the time between remote and office work during the week.
If applying to a job in this scenario, it is best to suss out what the working situation is in the team which your role will fall under to know upfront whether you will be office-based, remote, or part of a hybrid model.
Google has begun a transition to a hybrid remote model, taking into consideration those who specifically want to work remotely.
From April 4, 2022, employees will be required to be in the office around 3 days a week in its U.K., U.S., and Asia Pacific branches.
The company states that if any employees are not ready to return at that time, they are welcome to apply got a remote-work extension. According to the company, they have approved almost 14,000 applications from employees who seek to transfer to a different location or switch to fully remote, since last year.
These applications would be considered on a case-by-case basis, but before accepting a job at Google, it might be worth enquiring about whether your situation is likely to be accepted in an application process, to avoid disappointment.
Reddit introduced a remote working policy in 2020 that is currently still in place.
The company’s model offers total flexibility: most employees can decide where they work and can opt to be in the office, permanent remote working, or a hybrid of both. But, permanent remote working is ultimately decided by specific managers, and certain departments will need to be in the office.
Another perk is that salaries are adjusted and based on the role or job an employee has, instead of the location of the role. This is a rarity, with many other major companies adjusting salaries if an employee chooses to work remotely from a cheaper city or state, e.g. moving out of New York.
This allows those who can work remotely to move to another state to cut down on living expenses or be closer to family, without having to endure a salary cut.
SalesForce
SalesForce has listened to employee needs and constructed a fully flexible work plan.
The company used employee well-being surveys to ascertain how their employees felt about the work situation, as well as any needs and requirements they had. This has resulted in several changes within their policies which include childcare benefits, office set-up allowances, and extended parental leave.
From those surveys, SalesForce also discovered that while many employees wanted to be in the office a couple of times a month, many were looking forward to being back in the workplace.
This led to the company offering three different options for employees to choose from. The first option is a flexible hybrid model. Whereby employees can be office-based between one and three days a week when needed.
Second, employees can decide to be fully remote if their roles allow it, meaning they work from home on a full-time basis.
Finally, those who want to can go back to being fully office-based. This will also apply to roles that need to be in the office.
To accommodate employees who are back in the office via the hybrid or the full-time setup, the company has also reimagined its workspaces to suit this, and satisfy the craving for physical interaction, with a more creative and collaborative office space.
Spotify
Spotify offers a fully flexible remote working model.
Employees in almost all roles within the company can choose whether they would like to work from home or be based in the office. If the role allows, employees can be fully and permanently remote.
Furthermore, Spotify offers opportunities for employees to choose their location within the region they are based. This is dependent on time zones, and local laws. Wherever an employee chooses to work from must be in the same time zone as where their role is based, and Spotify needs to be a registered entity in the desired location.
These options are discussed and the processes are communicated clearly to all employees before joining, so you will be aware of your options.
Spotify also endeavors to provide remote employees with all opportunities that they would have in the office, including the offered learning and development activities, which will be held in a virtual space.
Plus, they provide all remote employees with the same equipment that they would have in the office space so that their ability to carry out their role is not hindered in any way.
PWC
In October 2021, PWC announced that about 40,000 employees will work remotely and virtually.
The company had initially teased a hybrid work model but decided to opt for a more flexible policy. If the employee’s role allows it, they can work remotely on a full-time basis.
Certain roles and departments cannot be operated remotely, and these will generally be exempt from any remote work policies that may apply in a company. It is always best to double-check this before applying, to manage expectations.
The only downside to this policy is that the salary earned will match the location, so if an employee relocates and works from a lower-cost city than where they were originally based, their salary will be reduced in line with this.
Despite the remote positions, employees may need to go into the office twice or thrice per month, for specific meetings and events. This might require travel if the employee has relocated.
Deloitte
Deloitte has allowed its employees a completely flexible work-from-home model.
The firm allows its employees to choose whether they work from home or at the office, so long as they can juggle their roles and responsibilities accordingly.
Offices are in place for those looking to work on-site, and for specific activities like training, meetings, and collaboration.
Some employees might opt to work from the office full-time or go in a few days per week, for several reasons such as social interaction, client meetings that have to take place in person, or for use of office resources that may not be available in a home space.
While many may be set on a remote working role, it is always helpful to have the option of the office space in case anything changes.
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, an American car manufacturer, introduced a flexible hybrid work model in 2021.
The company will allow their corporate employees to work from home indefinitely if they so wish, and offices can be used for any meetings or projects that need physical interaction.
But, the extent of this will be determined by each employee’s role and requirements, as well as their direct management and supervisors.
The company will also restructure offices to suit this new model, with more spaces to collaborate and the required technology for a virtual connection.
Office spaces were once set up for everyday use, and to be populated by a full workforce, but a changed global environment demands different things. Having a space that values and encourages team collaboration, as well as spaces that keep the connectivity of office-based employees with remote employees, is key for any company.
But, employees who work in the Ford factories are exempt from these policies as they cannot perform their roles remotely.
Social media company Twitter will allow employees to work remotely indefinitely if they choose to.
Their offices reopened in March 2022, but it was made clear to all employees that they could choose which environment they felt most comfortable in the office or home. Alternatively, employees can also adopt a hybrid model to work from home on some days, and go into the office on others.
This provides employees with the opportunity to have full control over their lives and work. You can balance time between work and hobbies or lifestyle activities, as well as spending time with your family.
Big tech companies, like Twitter, also generally have the technical know-how to create efficient work platforms and communication channels for employees so that there is a lesser disconnect between those in the office and those at home.
Zapier
Zapier has been a completely remote working company since it began in 2011, so it has mastered the culture around working from home, and all work activities and policies are already well-adapted.
Employees can live anywhere, and work from home at all times using an online workspace. The hiring and recruitment process can also be done virtually. This increases the diversity in the workforce, as an individual’s location and ability to relocate are not defining factors in the recruitment process.
Some of the perks aside from remote work that is afforded to employees of Zapier include competitive salaries and bonus programs, an unlimited vacation policy, retirement and healthcare, and dental and vision coverage for employees in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, stock options, two annual company retreats, 14 weeks of paid parental leave, and a professional development allowance.
To make a remote workplace that much easier to adapt to, Zapier also provides a home office setup allowance. This is helpful for those who require technology and equipment to effectively perform their role and responsibilities of their position.
Gitlab
Gitlab is another all-remote organization for employees.
The company has more than 1,200 employees in over 65 different countries, yet no offices anywhere. Everybody, even on an executive level, works remotely.
Employees can work from home, but can also jump on the ‘digital nomad’ trend whereby they travel to various places and work remotely from there. All that is needed is a strong internet connection, and nothing more.
This is a massive perk for those wanting to travel and experience different places and cultures. Going on a one or two-week holiday at specific times in the year provides a short break, but moving around different locations in rentals or AirBnbs for weeks or months at a time allows you to fully experience the lifestyle and culture of a particular place.
This completely remote model does not mean that employees are forced to be isolated in their roles and work, as there is still a strong presence of virtual meetings and interactions in many forms on most days.
This is incredibly valuable to those that seek interaction with others while still maintaining a remote position.
Cisco
Cisco allows employees to choose whether they want to work from an office or work from home.
The company has over 75,000 employees, and after research showed that having the majority of the workforce working remotely did not impact the productivity of the teams, they looked to a longer-term hybrid model.
Cisco encourages employees to decide whether they want to be back in the office full-time, only come in a few days a week, or work remotely on a full-time basis.
From this, they are also redesigning virtual workspaces and technology, as well as amplifying cybersecurity, to better adapt to this new model of operations.
Cybersecurity is a big consideration for companies looking to move into a remote model, as several risks may arise from work platforms being decentralized. There is a real need for increased security, checks, and training of employees to prevent breaches that may lead to major losses in the long run.
Stripe
Stripe, a reputable start-up, has moved into the hybrid remote working space interestingly: by encouraging employees to move to cheaper locations.
The downside to this is that if employees decide to move out of San Francisco or New York, where the company’s offices are located, to move to cheaper cities, they will be subject to a 10% pay reduction.
Despite this pay cut, employees have more flexibility to live in desired areas that may be closer to family, or just provide a cheaper cost of living overall.
There are also general lifestyle improvements that come with remote working, such as the ability to have a work-life balance, take on new hobbies and activities, and spend increased time with loved ones during the week.
Shopify
Shopify defines itself as a ‘digital by default’ company, which originated in 2020 with plans to keep offices closed until 2021. However, the long-term plan was that following this closure, employees would shift to a permanent remote setup.
Aside from the benefits to the employees, the company cited the positive impact on the climate and reduced carbon emission as another major reason behind the shift.
In addition to being economical, remote working can certainly be friendly to the environment. A decline in transportation, less power, water usage, and many more changes can have a positive long-term impact on the climate when implemented across many industries.
Study.com
Study.com, an online portal for an array of affordable academic courses, offers a great number of jobs that are flexible, or remote jobs.
It has a relatively small workforce, and the company prioritizes flexible working. Generally, smaller workforces are easier to manage on a remote basis.
In addition to part-time or full-time positions, there are also freelancing opportunities available. This allows individuals to gain experience and earn money without a long-term commitment and more flexibility around the amount of work taken on, and their schedules.
Further benefits that staff can enjoy include a competitive salary, medical coverage, paid time off, free fitness memberships, a stocked kitchen onsite, and more.
Quora
Social question and answer website Quora has done close analyses on the benefits of working remotely, and from that, has concluded that it is the best way to operate.
This has led to the company becoming ‘remote-first’, meaning that working remotely becomes the default mode for employees. In other words, office-based employees become more of an exception, rather than the rule.
Employees also have the opportunity to relocate to any place that still allows legal employment with Quora, for those whose roles do not require them to be present at times. This enables travel and relocation opportunities for those looking for new surroundings and experiences, without having to let go of their job.
But, the company will keep its office space for those who choose to work and collaborate there. This is especially valuable to those who want or need social interaction in the workspace, or those who do not have an ideal home setup for everyday work.
Wikimedia
Wikimedia, a non-profit organization, offers remote working options to those in specific roles.
With this, they also provide allowances to ensure remote employees have a sufficient home office setup with all required equipment, technology, and a stipend to cover this.
Other benefits for US employees include full medical, dental, and vision insurance for the employees plus their families, and a wellness program that provides $1800 per year for gym memberships, further education, childcare, student loans, and so on.
New parents receive seven weeks of paid leave, plus five weeks of pregnancy leave. There is also sick leave, vacation time, and volunteer time.
The company offers its employees development opportunities that include course and program reimbursements, in-house sessions, and others. A 401(k) retirement plan, savings plans, and disability and life insurance are other perks to enjoy.
For employees who wish to spend some time at the office, there are snacks, a gym, yoga classes and massages, monthly staff lunches, and a weekly farmers market to look forward to.
Cactus Communications
Cactus Communications has adopted a remote-first model for employee flexibility.
This means that despite maintaining office spaces, remote work will be considered the default mode of employees.
All employees will have the option of whether they want to work from home or work from the office. Or they can opt for a hybrid model.
The company acknowledges that working remotely post-pandemic will differ due to increased options, and looks for ways to adapt to having employees in different locations and time zones at any given time.
While this is a new concept that companies are still getting used to, you will find that over time things will improve drastically as employers and employees alike begin to find their feet in a new work environment.
Automattic
Web development company Automattic values remote work as an essential part of their process.
The company allows employees a flexible environment and schedule, with many in different time zones, which provides them with a larger pool of talent.
The company has meet-ups for teams once or twice a year, and an annual company-wide get-together, to enable employees from all locations to meet and interact.
The company also offers an open time off policy, which allows employees to take time off whenever they need it, provided they discuss this with leaders and supervisors.
For those with concerns about feeling isolated in a remote working space, the company pairs every employee up with a mentor with a similar time zone so that there is someone to interact with when needed.
They also offer a $250 co-working allowance per month for those who want to work with other employees.
InVisionApp
InVisionApp has been a remote team since its inception, which allows the company to employ people from around the world without any geographic restrictions.
The company also values its employees’ work/life balance, which is why they planned a remote space from day one.
During the hiring process, the company will usually interview potential employees over the phone and on video platforms such as Skype.
Despite the remote setup, InVision encourages team interaction through various meetings, events, and conferences.
For the remote working setup, the company gives each employee a MacBook and Bluetooth headset, along with any other devices and equipment needed, so that they have a kitted out home office that ensures they can work as well as they would in an office space.
Another big perk is an unlimited time-off policy, which gives employees the option to take time off as and when they need it.
Aha!
Aha! is a software company that has been remote from the very start.
The company doesn’t have, and has never had, any office space. All employees work remotely in whatever location they wish to, which not only reduces overhead costs for the company but also eradicates geographical limitations as to who they can hire.
The company hosts two week-long onsite meetings in various destinations for the team to gather, meet and reflect on the work that has been done.
Employees receive 15 days of paid time off within their first year at the company, and 20 days thereafter, with 10-12 day holidays too.
Conclusion
Many companies are offering remote work positions, or hybrid models for flexibility, that are looking to hire employees.
The list goes beyond what we have covered. With such a massive demand for remote work positions, companies are sure to showcase their remote work options to appeal to job seekers and increase their pool of talent within their teams.
When applying to a job at a remote work company, be sure to enquire or read the fine print about the role for which you are applying. There might be certain positions that require you to be on-site, so if you are set on a remote position, it is best to know this before getting too far into the hiring process.
Remote work has proven to be an effective way to run a company. Employees that have flexibility in their hours, and the ability to balance work with other activities, often work more productively in the long run with higher satisfaction as a major reason for this.
With so many remote work opportunities, you have endless options of roles and companies to choose from that allow you to work from the comfort of your home.
