Remote-first companies are leading the future of work, providing over 55 million U.S. workers the flexibility to work from anywhere. With 98% of people wanting remote work and 91% reporting a positive work experience, it’s no wonder remote roles are highly competitive.
To simplify your remote job search, we’ve compiled a list of 34 remote-first companies that also offer flexibility, support, and generous benefits. We’ll also discuss key factors to consider during the hiring process to help avoid mid-process disappointments.
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Remote-first companies to explore
When searching for remote-first companies, focusing on key factors is crucial to ensure you find the best fit for your work style and life balance. Here are the important aspects to consider:
- Company culture: Look for insights about the company’s culture, mission, and values to see if they align with your career goals.
- Geographic restrictions: Some remote jobs are limited to specific regions or countries, so make sure the role you’re interested in doesn’t have location-based restrictions that could affect your eligibility.
- Work-life balance and remote culture: Companies prioritizing work-life balance tend to offer flexible hours and promote a healthy separation between work and personal life. Look for evidence of a strong remote culture that prioritizes remote collaboration and inclusion.
- Application process: A transparent and straightforward application process can signal a company’s professionalism. Make sure you understand the steps in the hiring process and whether the company sets clear expectations for applicants.
Below is a list of remote-first companies offering competitive pay, a strong focus on work-life balance, and current hiring opportunities. Each listing provides details on salary transparency, geographic limits, benefits, and tips for standing out during the application process.
1. AgencyAnalytics
AgencyAnalytics is a SaaS platform that provides marketing analytics and reporting tools for agencies. The company offers remote work with some geographic restrictions and competitive salaries.
The hiring process typically takes about two weeks and includes four stages: an initial interview, an interview with the hiring manager, a peer interview, a take-home assessment, and a short presentation. Benefits include a home office setup allowance, paid time off, learning subscriptions, and wellness plans.
2. Airbnb
Airbnb connects travelers with one-of-a-kind stays through a global network of 5 million hosts. It also supports remote work from anywhere, provided the arrangement has company approval.
The hiring process includes assessments, team interactions, and multiple interviews. Employee perks cover health and wellness, financial security, flexible time off, personal growth opportunities, caregiving support, and enriching life experiences.
3. Aha
Aha is a product roadmap and marketing software company dedicated to a positive, honest, and respectful workplace culture. Operating remotely with some geographic restrictions, Aha values transparency and respect across its team.
Aha’s hiring process is quick—successful candidates often receive offers within two weeks. The company offers comprehensive benefits, including competitive salaries with regular raises to reward hard work, annual profit sharing, full medical, dental, and vision coverage, and an education allowance of up to $1,000.
4. AppFollow
AppFollow is a remote-first platform that helps businesses manage app store reviews and ratings to boost visibility and user engagement. Its global team of over 80 people spans countries like Denmark, Brazil, Romania, Germany, and the USA, supporting flexible work arrangements.
Employee benefits include retirement plans, parenting leave, paid holidays, sick days, and professional support. Team members also have the option to visit the Helsinki office.
5. Ashby
Ashby is a remote-first, all-in-one hiring platform for companies of all sizes. It supports asynchronous communication across North American and European time zones, making collaboration seamless.
The hiring process focuses on practical interviews that simulate real work scenarios, with clear goals and expectations set from the start. Employee benefits include 12 weeks of fully paid family leave in the U.S., comprehensive health insurance, unlimited PTO, and a 10-year stock option exercise window.
6. Atlassian
Atlassian, the company behind tools like Jira and Trello, has over 7,000 remote workers across 13 countries. Known for valuing openness, clear communication, and customer satisfaction, Atlassian promotes a flexible, distributed-first work model.
The hiring process includes multiple interview rounds: an initial recruiter screen, interviews with team members and leads, a technical interview, and a take-home assessment. Along with competitive pay, Atlassian offers benefits like the Flex Wallet for reimbursable expenses, remote work allowances, and ergonomic tools. Employees are rewarded for long service with extra days off, trip reimbursements, and personalized gifts.
7. Automattic
Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com and WooCommerce, builds products like Jetpack for site security and Tumblr for social networking. With over 2,000 remote workers across 96 countries, Automattic offers transparent, competitive salaries that aren’t tied to location—everyone earns the same, no matter where they live.
The benefits package is comprehensive, covering professional development, wellness support, career coaching, parental leave, and more. The hiring process includes an application, interviews over Slack and Zoom, and technical assessments or trial projects. Final steps include a last interview, a hiring recommendation, and an offer.
8. Awesome Motive
Awesome Motive is a software company dedicated to helping small businesses grow and compete in the digital landscape. It has a global team of over 300 remote employees across 50 countries.
The hiring process involves multiple interviews and a take-home test. Benefits include flexible hours, PTO, parental leave, profit sharing, a tech stipend, health insurance, yearly bonuses, company retreats, and professional development.
9. Brave
Brave is a privacy-focused web browser designed to improve user security and browsing speed. As a remote-first company, it operates with some geographical restrictions based on the role.
The hiring process includes multiple remote interviews and assessments. Employee benefits include PTO, health coverage, and 401(k) plans.
10. Buffer
Buffer is a social media management platform known for its transparent culture and fully remote team, with members in 15 countries. They share employee salaries publicly.
Buffer’s hiring process starts by defining each role and offering growth opportunities to current employees. Structured interviews and assessments include role-specific scenarios, and the hiring team collaborates to make final decisions based on collective feedback.
Buffer offers generous benefits, including health insurance, a 3% retirement savings match, and a 4-day workweek. Employees enjoy a fully remote setup with a $1,000 home office budget, 16 weeks of fully paid family leave, a family support stipend, and profit sharing.
11. Chronosphere
Chronosphere is a cloud-native observability platform that helps organizations monitor infrastructure, applications, and business performance in real-time. As a remote-first company, it supports a distributed workforce.
The hiring process involves screening, interviews, and a take-home assessment. Benefits include competitive pay, stock options, health coverage, flexible PTO, parental care, summer Fridays, wellness stipends, and career growth opportunities.
12. Close
Close is a CRM platform for sales teams that’s been fully remote since 2013. While they hire remotely with some geographic restrictions, Close focuses on asynchronous communication to support manager autonomy.
The hiring process includes an application review, a video intro call, a skills assessment, and video interviews, with final reference checks. Close offers paid time off, family leave, medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with a 6% match, and goal-based bonuses. Employees also enjoy a paid four-week sabbatical and flexible working hours.
13. Cofense (PhishMe)
Cofense specializes in phishing defense and email security solutions. They hire remotely, with geographic restrictions, and offer flexible working hours.
The hiring process includes remote interviews, technical assessments, and background checks. Benefits include a 401(k) match, health and wellness plans, paid time off, snacks, and team-building events.
14. Contra
Contra is a commission-free freelance platform connecting independent professionals with clients for project-based work. Embracing a flexible-first culture, Contra hires remotely with some geographic restrictions.
The hiring process includes multiple interviews and take-home assessments. Benefits include remote work options, competitive salaries, generous vacation policies, healthcare plans, and office setup reimbursements.
15. Customer.io
Customer.io is a remote-first customer engagement platform that helps businesses automate and personalize communication via email, SMS, push notifications, and in-app messaging. It uses user behavior and data to create targeted campaigns that strengthen customer relationships.
The hiring process includes a 30-minute recruiter call, a 45-minute interview with the hiring manager, and a 60-minute mock call with the team. Benefits include health and wellness plans, paid time off, workplace flexibility, professional development opportunities, and 401(k) plans.
16. Deel
Deel makes global hiring easy by managing local laws, contracts, and taxes. With a global team in 107 countries, Deel embraces a remote-first culture. While they hire worldwide with few restrictions, they generally don’t offer visa sponsorship. Deel promotes work-life balance with flexible schedules and async communication across time zones.
The hiring process includes an initial interview, a take-home test, a technical interview, and a final interview, though steps may vary by position. Deel’s benefits include family and parenting policies, paid time off, virtual team events, and coworking stipends to strengthen connections.
17. Doist
Doist, the company behind productivity tools like Todoist and Twist, is fully remote, with employees across 33 countries. They offer competitive, location-based salaries and benefits like 40 days of paid time off, annual retreats, learning stipends, and flexible hours.
The hiring process includes an initial Google Meet interview and may involve a paid test project relevant to the role. Successful candidates then have two more interviews with team members. Doist’s benefits include parental support, a monthly stipend for subscriptions, and resources for professional development.
18. Dropbox
Dropbox is a cloud-based file storage and collaboration platform that lets users securely store, share, and manage files from any device. While not fully remote, Dropbox offers a flexible, remote-first work environment.
The hiring process depends on the role and may include assessments, portfolio reviews, and virtual interviews. Benefits include health coverage, a 401(k) match, a perks allowance, free Dropbox space, flexible PTO, 11 holidays, and 32 hours of paid volunteer time.
19. Fireflies
Fireflies is an AI-powered meeting assistant that helps automate meeting recording, transcription, and summarization to improve productivity. The company operates fully remotely with a global team of 100+ people across 20+ countries.
The hiring process includes an initial chat interview and a video interview with the team and head of the department. Benefits feature unlimited vacation days (with some paid), quarterly bonuses, maternity leave, and laptop reimbursements.
20. Fleetio
Fleetio provides fleet management software with a fully remote team based in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They also have headquarters in Birmingham.
The hiring process involves multiple remote interviews and skills assessments. Benefits include health and wellness plans, 401(k) options, stock options, paid holidays, and a professional development allowance.
21. Float
Float is a fully remote company that provides resource management software for planning, scheduling, and tracking projects. With a team of over 50 people across 20+ countries, they value continuous improvement, accountability, and respect for time.
The hiring process includes an introductory call, a technical interview, a co-worker interview, and reference checks. Benefits include paid time off, personal and family care leave, health support, a home office setup, and annual team meet-ups.
22. Foodee
Foodee is a corporate catering service that provides flexible meal solutions for businesses. As a remote-first company, it also hosts opportunities for in-person events.
The hiring process includes an HR screen, interviews, a take-home assignment, and a CEO interview. Benefits include flexible schedules, health coverage, competitive pay, wellness stipends, PTO, and professional development.
23. Fresh Tri
FreshTri is a mindset and habit-building app that uses science-based strategies to help users improve their health and well-being. While remote-first, the company is based in California and has some geographic restrictions.
The interview process includes a conversation with leadership, such as the VP of Marketing, and emphasizes a collaborative, pressure-free approach. Benefits feature unlimited PTO, a highly flexible schedule, and opportunities to work across multiple disciplines.
24. GitHub
GitHub is a software development platform offering web-based hosting for version control with Git. With a fully distributed team of over 2,000 employees, GitHub hires globally, though some roles have regional restrictions due to legal or time zone considerations. They promote work-life balance through flexible hours, asynchronous communication, and mental health support, including counseling services.
The hiring process includes a recruiter screen, technical assessments, and several interviews with managers. GitHub provides a wide range of benefits, including health and wellness plans, flexible work options, parental support, professional development budgets, retirement plans, and team retreats.
25. GitLab
GitLab is an all-in-one DevOps platform that brings together tools for software development, security, and operations. With a remote team across 60+ countries, GitLab is known for its flexibility and commitment to work-life balance.
The hiring process is designed to be fair and transparent. It includes application reviews, screening calls, assessments, team interviews, and reference checks. GitLab’s benefits are tailored to meet local needs and comply with local laws. Employee benefits include medical, life, and pension plans, offered through statutory or additional options.
26. Glassdoor
Glassdoor is a platform that offers valuable resources for job seekers and employers. Operating remotely with some geographic restrictions, it supports a flexible work environment.
The hiring process involves an HR screen, technical and video interviews, and a panel discussion. Benefits include subsidized health insurance, open PTO, specialized leaves, a 401(k) match, wellness programs, career coaching, and work-from-home allowances.
27. GoGlobal
GoGlobal is a global HR platform that helps businesses manage international human resources and payroll. With a remote-first approach, its team of over 150 professionals works across 40+ countries.
The hiring process typically includes two interviews and a take-home assessment, though feedback may vary. Benefits feature competitive salaries in local currency, legal employment support, access to local experts, annual training, unlimited home Wi-Fi, and location-specific perks.
28. Help Scout
Help Scout provides customer support software designed to strengthen customer relationships. As a remote-first company, Help Scout emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), hiring globally with minimal time zone restrictions. Their team spans 115 cities worldwide.
The hiring process includes a series of structured interviews, starting with an initial chat with the hiring manager, followed by technical assessments, a project, and reference checks. Benefits include health and retirement plans, stock options, flexible time off, home office funding, and semi-annual retreats.
29. Hotjar
Hotjar is a web analytics tool that helps businesses understand user behavior with features like heatmaps, session recordings, and feedback polls. Operating remotely, Hotjar has some geographical restrictions based on the role. Their work culture values flexibility, collaboration, and continuous learning.
The hiring process includes a phone screen interview, interviews with the hiring manager and team members, an assignment with a presentation, and a final interview with a department leader. After an offer and background check, successful candidates enjoy benefits like paid time off, parental support, stock options, employee resource groups, and mental health support. Hotjar also hosts virtual team-building activities and annual company retreats to foster connection.
30. Incubyte
Incubyte is a remote-first software development company specializing in bespoke software solutions and modernizing legacy systems. The company operates as a fully remote team, allowing employees to work from anywhere.
The hiring process includes self-paced learning, a People Success Team call, technical discussions, and hands-on pairing. Benefits include flexible work, generous holidays, a home office fund, learning budgets, medical coverage, a company laptop, and personal development programs.
31. Level Access
Level Access is a leader in digital accessibility solutions, helping organizations build inclusive digital experiences for all users, including those with disabilities. The company operates remotely, though some geographic restrictions apply.
The hiring process includes multiple interviews and assessments depending on the role and location. Benefits feature medical insurance, fitness reimbursements, flexible time off, a 401(k) with employer match, and a commitment to personal development to uphold industry excellence.
32. Lumenalta
Lumenalta is a digital transformation company specializing in custom software development and information technology (IT) consultancy, serving industries like finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and logistics. With a global hiring approach, Lumenalta promotes flexibility and creativity.
The hiring process begins with a technical test or initial interview, followed by a second interview with a technical expert. Benefits include a flexible schedule, parental support, paid time off, a personal development fund, tenure gifts, career coaching, and a competitive salary.
33. Lyssna
Lyssna is a remote-first user research platform based in Australia that helps organizations conduct usability testing, interviews, and surveys. The company offers a global, flexible work environment where employees can thrive in roles suited to their lifestyles.
The hiring process varies by role but typically includes multiple interviews to ensure a strong fit. Benefits include flexible schedules, personal development allowance, profit sharing, generous parental leave, performance coaching, and annual “doona days” for extra rest.
34. Mantra Health
Mantra Health provides mental health services for students by partnering with colleges and universities. The company focuses on tackling student’s unique mental health challenges through meaningful collaborations.
The hiring process includes interviews with founders and leadership and a business case review with the CEO. Benefits include health insurance, wellness programs, a 401(k), generous leave, and a mental health-focused culture.
35. Modern Tribe
Modern Tribe is a digital agency specializing in custom WordPress solutions that operate remotely. They value freedom, curiosity, and ingenuity, encouraging employees to own their work while collaborating in distributed teams. Modern Tribe hires globally, focusing on North America and Europe to ease collaboration.
The hiring process includes multiple interviews and skills assessments focused on remote collaboration and WordPress expertise. Benefits include parental support, career building resources, and paid time off.
36. Muck Rack
Muck Rack is a Public Relations Management (PRM) platform that helps organizations manage and optimize their PR efforts. The company operates fully remotely, and employees can work from anywhere.
The hiring process includes interviews with the talent team, hiring manager, peers, and a final call with executives. Benefits include geo-neutral pay, 4+ weeks of vacation, health coverage, a 401(k) plan, parental leave, and remote work stipends.
37. Nathan James
Nathan James is a home furnishings company with a fully remote team. They focus on a people-first culture, minimizing workplace friction.
Depending on the role, the hiring process includes multiple remote interviews and digital skills assessments. Benefits include health insurance, paid time off, parental support, a workspace stipend, and profit-sharing.
38. Nava
Nava is a fully remote tech company that delivers human-centered digital services to federal, state, and local government agencies. The company has a remote-first culture with some geographic restrictions.
The hiring process includes multiple interviews and a skills assessment to ensure a fit. Benefits include competitive health coverage, unlimited sick time, 16 weeks of paid parental leave, a 401(k) match, 37 annual paid days off, professional development, and employee resource groups.
39. OnTheGoSystems
OnTheGoSystems develops WordPress plugins for multilingual content and operates fully remotely. They promote a strong work-life balance with flexible hours and employee autonomy.
The hiring process includes a recruiter interview, a technical deep dive, and a final check-in with the hiring manager. Benefits include a fully remote work environment, a Body and Mind Movement (BAMM) program for physical activities, a computer budget, and a Kindle device with access to the company’s Amazon account. National holidays are observed in each employee’s country.
40. Paymentology
Paymentology is a global payment processing company with a remote-first team spread across 67+ countries.
The hiring process varies by role but generally includes remote team interviews and project-based assessments. Benefits include remote work support, health and wellness policies, and family support.
41. ReCharge Payments
ReCharge Payments offers subscription billing solutions for e-commerce businesses and operates fully remotely with competitive salaries. They emphasize work-life balance with flexible schedules and virtual team-building events to build a sense of community.
The hiring process includes remote interviews and skill assessments, focusing on each candidate’s ability to succeed in a remote environment. ReCharge provides comprehensive benefits with competitive salaries, equity options, a 401(k) plan, full medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, and parental support. To further support remote work, employees receive an $800 monthly stipend for health and wellness expenses.
42. Remote
Remote is a platform that helps businesses manage remote workforces. With team members from over 75 nationalities, it operates in a diverse and globally distributed environment.
The hiring process includes interviews with a recruiter, hiring manager, team members, async assessments, and employment verification. Benefits include unlimited PTO, flexible hours, stock options, parental leave, and home office support.
43. Revolut
Revolut is a global fintech services company offering solutions like currency exchange, debit cards, and cryptocurrency trading. With a team across 30+ countries, Revolut supports work-life balance with flexible hours and mental health programs.
The hiring process involves multiple interviews and technical assessments depending on the role. Employee benefits at Revoult include 120-day ‘workation,’ equity bonuses, office setup allowance, family and parental support, and a paid-off for birthdays.
44. SafetyWing
SafetyWing provides insurance products for digital nomads and remote workers, with a fully remote team across 60+ countries.
The hiring process includes a recruiter screening, technical interviews, and final interviews with the CTO and CEO. SafetyWing offers generous benefits, including health and wellness plans, paid time off, personal development, a laptop allowance, parental leave, home office setup, and meal support.
45. Shogun
Shogun is an e-commerce platform that helps brands create outstanding online stores. Committed to work-life balance, Shogun offers flexible schedules, virtual team-building events, and fully remote work.
The hiring process includes remote interviews and project-based assessments to evaluate both technical skills and cultural fit. Benefits include health insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, parental support, and paid time off.
46. Sticker Mule
Sticker Mule, a custom printing company, operates fully remotely across 17 countries. They value freedom and self-directed learning to deliver exceptional results.
The hiring process includes multiple remote interviews and skills assessments. Benefits include above-market salaries, flexible hours, health and dental insurance, and home office equipment.
47. Stripe
Stripe is a payment processing platform that helps businesses accept and manage online payments seamlessly. It supports various transactions, including credit and debit cards, mobile wallets, and alternative payment methods in multiple currencies. Stripe employees work remotely, though some roles have time zone restrictions.
The hiring process varies by role but generally includes multiple remote interviews and technical assessments. Stripe offers a flexible work environment and comprehensive benefits, including physical, mental, and medical health plans, financial advisory services, family planning support, and professional and personal growth resources.
48. TaxJar
TaxJar, now part of Stripe, automates sales tax compliance for e-commerce businesses, including digital currency transactions. They hire across the U.S., with some time zone restrictions for team alignment.
The hiring process includes multiple remote interviews and technical assessments. TaxJar offers health and wellness plans, parental support, a 401(k) plan, and paid time off.
49. TestGorilla
TestGorilla helps companies improve hiring decisions with skills-based assessments. The company operates fully remotely, with team members in 51 countries.
The hiring process includes an initial assessment, an interview with the team manager, and final interviews with the COO. Benefits include the freedom to work from anywhere, stock options, paid parental leave, remote work support, and a dedicated learning budget.
50. Toggl
Toggl provides time-tracking and project management tools for remote workers around the globe. Operating remotely across 43 countries, Toggl values autonomy and a commitment to high-quality work.
The hiring process includes a quick online skills test, a cultural interview, a technical interview, and a 3-5 day paid test period. Toggl offers generous benefits, including flexible paid time off, team and company meetups, paid parental leave, sabbaticals, a home office setup budget, coworking and internet allowances, an annual budget for professional development, a health and wellness budget, and regular pay reviews.
51. Tomedes
Tomedes is a fully remote professional translation service provider offering language solutions for businesses and individuals.
The hiring process includes an HR screening and an interview with team members to ensure a good fit with the team and company culture. Benefits include flexible work arrangements, professional development resources, and team-building activities that foster collaboration and community.
52. Toptal
Toptal is an online marketplace for top freelancers in software development, design, and finance. Known for its selectivity, Toptal connects the top 3% of applicants with leading companies. They hire freelancers globally, though some roles have geographic restrictions.
The hiring process starts with a recruiter screening, followed by multiple technical and analytical interviews. A final culture-fit interview assesses alignment with Toptal’s core values. Benefits include insurance, health and wellness programs, generous sick leave, opportunities for personal and professional growth, and employee discounts.
53. Webomates Inc
Webomates is a technology company specializing in software testing with patented AI-based technology to improve quality assurance. The company operates remotely, though some roles have geographical restrictions.
The hiring process includes an HR call, a technical evaluation, a manager interview, and a final HR round. Employees enjoy competitive pay, upskilling opportunities, and a supportive, team-focused culture.
54. Yelp
Yelp is a community-driven platform that helps consumers discover, review, and connect with local businesses and services.
The hiring process includes an application, a coding challenge for engineering roles, and interviews with recruiters and team members. Benefits include health coverage, PTO, retirement plans, stock options, corporate discounts, and professional development funds.
55. Zapier
Zapier is an automation platform that connects apps and services, supported by a remote team in over 40 countries. While Zapier is remote-friendly, some roles require you to be in specific time zones.
The application process includes a recruiter interview, a hiring manager interview, a skills assessment, final interviews, and background checks. Successful candidates receive a competitive offer with annual compensation reviews. Benefits include performance-based bonuses, flexible work arrangements, healthcare, and generous parental leave. Employees also have the chance to share in Zapier’s long-term success through stock options or cash incentives.
56. Arc
At Arc, we’re all about helping you find amazing remote jobs and standing out to top remote companies. Not only do we connect talented professionals with freelance and full-time roles around the world, but we’re also remote-first ourselves, with a team that spans ten countries and counting.
We know remote work can get a bit isolating, so we keep things fun with virtual team-building events and offer coworking stipends to keep everyone connected. If you’re interested in joining our internal team, you can take a peek at our open roles on our careers page.
What makes a company great for remote workers?
Choosing the right remote-first company means focusing on essentials like pay transparency, benefits, work-life balance, and any geographic restrictions. Look for companies that go beyond the basics—offering perks like home office stipends, wellness programs, and flexible vacation policies. These benefits can make a remote role not just a job, but a truly rewarding workplace.
Salary and benefits transparency
Compensation tops the list for remote job seekers, and many remote-first companies show their commitment to fairness by openly sharing salary ranges or offering salary calculators. This transparency drives equal pay and builds trust.
But pay isn’t everything. Remote-friendly companies stand out with unique benefits designed for remote work—think home office stipends for ergonomic gear, wellness programs like therapy or meditation apps, and flexible vacation policies to support mental health and balance.
Knowing a company’s benefits upfront can help you spot the right fit. Perks like flexible time off, wellness programs, and home office stipends reveal how much a company invests in supporting its remote team.
Geographic restrictions and hiring regions
Not all remote jobs are available across the world. Some companies hire remote workers globally, while others limit hiring to specific regions due to legal, tax filing, or time zone factors. These restrictions often mean hiring is focused within certain regions, such as North America or Europe, or within certain time zones to align work hours.
For international candidates, visa sponsorship can be a deciding factor. While some companies sponsor work visas, many expect candidates to already have the legal right to work in their home country.
Understanding a company’s hiring policies can help you find roles that match your location and set realistic expectations about relocation or visa requirements.
Legal protections and employment models
Remote workers should understand the employment models offered by remote-first companies. Full-time employees usually receive benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and legal protections, though they may have fixed hours.
Contractors and freelancers, in contrast, enjoy more flexibility but don’t receive benefits and are responsible for handling taxes and expenses. Freelancers often work on a project basis, facing less job security and fewer protections.
Whatever the contract type, it’s essential to understand terms related to termination, severance, and intellectual property rights, especially in creative or technical roles. It’s also important to know how dispute resolution is handled through arbitration or legal action.
Work-life balance and remote culture challenges
Remote work offers great benefits like flexibility and improved work-life balance but also comes with challenges. Top companies address these issues to support a healthy remote culture:
Burnout
69% experience burnout due to pressure to be “always on.” Leading remote-first companies address burnout by offering mandatory PTO or wellness days. Flexible hours are also common, allowing employees to create schedules that fit their routines and help prevent overwork.
Isolation
Feelings of isolation can be common in remote roles, but remote-friendly companies build strong virtual communities to counter this. Team-building activities, virtual coffee chats, and occasional in-person retreats help employees feel connected. Virtual hangouts and personal updates also foster genuine connections.
Over-communication
Too many meetings can overwhelm remote teams. To address this, many remote companies use asynchronous communication tools, allowing feedback and updates without constant meetings. Remote-first companies promote a healthy work-life balance by prioritizing flexible hours, PTO, and asynchronous communication.
Career growth and professional development
Career growth is a common concern for remote workers, but many remote-first companies prioritize clear advancement paths. Here’s how:
Promotion and growth opportunities
Leading remote companies provide defined career paths, focusing on merit-based promotions that reward achievements and impact. This approach rewards meaningful contributions, helping employees stay motivated and grow.
Mentorship and training
Many remote-first companies support employee growth through training, online courses, workshops, and development budgets for certifications or coaching. Mentorship programs also connect experienced employees with newer ones, promoting skill-sharing and guidance.
Leadership roles
Remote-first companies often promote from within, offering leadership roles to employees demonstrating commitment. They provide leadership training and coaching to prepare team members for managing distributed teams. This focus on skill development equips leaders to inspire and support high-performing remote teams.
With a focus on creating a supportive remote culture, these companies work to connect employees across the world, using virtual team-building activities and asynchronous communication.
Find the perfect remote-first role
Looking for a remote job that fits your life? Start by checking key factors like salary, remote-specific perks (home office stipends, mental health support, flexible vacation policies), and company location. Some companies hire globally, while others limit hiring based on time zones or legal requirements.
Work-life balance is also essential—look for flexible hours and wellness programs that support it.
The 34 remote-first companies in this guide offer great roles for remote professionals. Apply these tips today and move closer to a flexible, fulfilling remote career.
Find your dream remote job faster with Arc.
- Development, design, and marketing roles
- US-based startups and tech companies
- Choose freelance or full-time remote work
Work from anywhere in the world on your terms.
Join Arc now →
