Everything You Need to Know About Remote Companies (And How to Find Your Dream Remote Job)
It’s one thing to offer remote work as an option–it’s another to build your entire business model around it. Remote-first companies do just that, prioritising remote work as the default mode of operation. Instead of treating remote work as a temporary solution or a special perk, remote-first companies design their processes, culture, and tools to accommodate employees working from anywhere in the world.
Simply put, in a remote-first company, remote work isn’t the exception—it’s the rule. This approach is fundamentally different from hybrid companies (which blend in-office and remote work) and traditional companies (which rely heavily on physical office presence). By embracing a remote-first model, these companies remove the geographical barriers to hiring and provide employees with the flexibility to work from wherever they feel most productive.
In this Thankbox guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about remote-first companies, from the benefits they offer to how you can find a job with one. We’ll also share tips for thriving in a remote-first environment and explore how solutions like Thankbox can help build a strong, connected remote team.
Let’s dive in!
What is a remote-first company?
A remote-first company is a business that operates with remote work as its default mode, regardless of the employee’s location. It’s not just about allowing employees to work from home; it’s about designing the company’s entire infrastructure to support remote employees. This includes:
Digital communication tools: Leveraging video calls, messaging apps, and collaborative software to keep everyone connected.
Remote onboarding processes: Ensuring new hires get the training and resources they need from day one, no matter where they are located.
Asynchronous work policies: Allowing team members to work on their own schedules, accommodating different time zones and personal needs.
Unlike hybrid or office-first companies, remote-first companies build their culture and operations around the idea that every employee, whether in a city apartment or a countryside cabin, has equal access to opportunities and information.
Why remote-first companies are thriving
The remote-first model isn’t just a trend—it’s a strategic choice that offers numerous benefits for both employers and employees:
Access to a global talent pool: Without geographical limitations, remote-first companies can hire the best talent from anywhere in the world, bringing in diverse perspectives and skills.
Enhanced flexibility: Employees have the freedom to work from wherever they’re most comfortable, whether it’s from home, a coworking space, or while travelling.
Healthier work-life balance: By working from home, individuals can access a better work-life balance as they can create a routine that fits their personal life.
Increased autonomy: Employees have more control over their environment and work processes, leading to higher job satisfaction as it shows trust in their ability to manage their work.
Lower overhead costs: By eliminating the need for a physical office, companies can save on expenses like rent, utilities, and office supplies, investing those savings back into the business.
With a remote-first approach, companies can adapt quickly to changing market conditions and employee needs, making them more resilient and innovative.
Creating a thriving remote-first culture is key to a successful remote company. For a detailed plan, check out our post on How to Build a Remote Team That Thrives: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Create a Connected Remote Team With Thankbox!
Ready to build a connected and engaged remote team? Create a Thankbox today and discover how easy it is to celebrate milestones, show appreciation, and strengthen your company culture—all from the comfort of your home office.
How to find a job with a remote-first company
Switching to remote-first work has unlocked tons of opportunities for job seekers, letting you apply for positions without worrying about where they're located. But getting a job at a remote-first company means tweaking your approach a bit compared to traditional office-based roles.
Here’s your step-by-step guide on how to find and secure a position with a remote-first company.
1. Research remote-first employers
The first step in finding a job with a remote-first company is knowing where to look. Unlike traditional jobs, which might be advertised on local job boards, remote-first roles are typically listed on specialised platforms that cater specifically to remote work.
You can start your search on popular remote job boards such as:
We Work Remotely: A comprehensive platform featuring jobs across various industries, all of which are remote-friendly.
Remote.co: This site lists roles from fully remote companies and provides insights into remote work trends and best practices.
FlexJobs: A subscription-based service that curates remote and flexible job listings, ensuring they’re legitimate and high-quality.
LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn’s remote job search filter to find opportunities with companies that embrace remote-first or fully remote work.
In addition to job boards, keep an eye on the careers pages of well-known remote-first companies like GitLab, Zapier, and Buffer. These companies often highlight their commitment to remote work and may provide insights into their hiring process and company culture.
2. Tailor your resume for remote work
Highlight your remote work skills, such as time management, digital communication, and self-discipline. Include experience with tools like Slack, Microsoft Office and project management software. Consider adding a “Remote Skills” section to showcase your ability to work effectively in a virtual environment.
3. Network with remote professionals
Join LinkedIn, Slack, or Reddit communities focused on remote work. Networking can help you gain insights into remote-first companies and discover job openings before they’re advertised. Don’t hesitate to attend virtual events to expand your connections and learn from current remote workers.
4. Prepare for remote interviews
Get comfortable with video conferencing software and create a professional setup. Highlight your experience managing tasks independently and using digital tools. Demonstrate your interest in the company’s remote culture by asking about their communication practices and team collaboration.
Building a positive remote work culture
Creating a strong and positive work culture is challenging enough when everyone is in the same office. When your team is spread across different cities, countries, or even continents, it can feel even more daunting. However, remote-first companies have shown that it’s entirely possible to build a thriving, connected, and inclusive culture—even when the entire team works remotely. Here’s how you can build a positive remote work culture that keeps everyone engaged and connected.
1. Communication is key
In a remote-first company, communication is the backbone of the entire operation. Without the benefit of face-to-face interactions, clear and consistent communication becomes crucial. Regular check-ins, team meetings, and one-on-one video calls help keep everyone on the same page and create opportunities for team members to connect.
To foster open communication, consider implementing the following strategies:
Daily stand-up meetings: A quick 15-minute video call where team members share their goals and updates for the day.
Asynchronous communication: Encourage team members to use messaging tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams for non-urgent updates, allowing everyone to respond at their own pace.
Transparency: Share company updates, decisions, and project progress openly with the entire team. This builds trust and keeps everyone informed.
2. Encourage social interaction
Plan informal activities like virtual coffee breaks, trivia games, or team-building exercises. Use Thankbox for social events, creating fun cards where team members can share jokes, fun facts, or photos, helping to strengthen relationships.
3. Offer flexible work schedules
Embrace flexibility by allowing employees to set their own hours and manage their time effectively. Focus on results rather than tracking hours, and accommodate different time zones by using asynchronous communication.
4. Use Thankbox to strengthen remote team bonds
In a remote-first environment, building strong team connections can be challenging, but Thankbox makes it easier. Thankbox helps you create personalised digital cards for any occasion, from work anniversaries and birthdays to team achievements and “just because” moments.
Here’s how you can use Thankbox to enhance your remote work culture:
Celebrate milestones: Create a Thankbox card for each employee’s birthday or work anniversary. Invite the entire team to add their own messages, photos, videos and GIFs, making the card a true team effort.
Express appreciation: Don’t wait for a special occasion to show gratitude. Create a Thankbox card to recognise a job well done or to say thank you for extra effort on a project.
Boost morale: During challenging times, you can create a “Virtual Hug” card where everyone can share supportive and encouraging messages. It’s a simple yet powerful way to show your team that you’re all in this together.
Using Thankbox as part of your remote culture strategy helps bridge the gap between team members, creating a sense of community and belonging even when everyone is working from different locations.
Essential tools for remote work success
Thriving in a remote-first company requires a set of reliable digital tools that help streamline communication, manage projects, and keep teams connected. Here’s a closer look at the essential tools every remote team should consider using:
1. Communication tools
Effective communication is the backbone of any remote-first company. These tools ensure that everyone stays connected, whether it’s for quick chats or important meetings.
Slack: A powerful messaging app for team chats, project discussions, and quick updates. Slack channels help organise conversations by topics or teams, reducing email clutter.
Zoom or Microsoft Teams: These video conferencing tools are crucial for virtual meetings, brainstorming sessions, and face-to-face interactions. They help replicate the in-person experience, making it easier to collaborate remotely.
Email: While not as immediate as messaging apps, email remains a key tool for sharing detailed information, formal communication, and important updates.
2. Project management software
Managing tasks and projects remotely can be challenging without the right tools. These project management platforms help teams stay organised, track progress, and meet deadlines effectively.
Trello: An easy-to-use platform that uses boards, lists, and cards to organise tasks visually. Trello is great for simple project tracking and collaborative planning.
Asana: A comprehensive project management tool for handling complex projects, task assignments, and progress tracking. Asana’s features help teams stay aligned and on schedule.
Monday.com: Known for its customisable workflows, Monday.com allows teams to plan projects, track tasks, and collaborate efficiently. It’s ideal for teams looking for a flexible, visual way to manage their work.
3. File sharing and collaboration
Remote teams rely on cloud-based tools to store, share, and collaborate on documents seamlessly. These platforms ensure everyone has access to the latest versions, regardless of their location.
Google Workspace: A suite of cloud-based tools including Google Docs, Sheets, and Drive. It allows for real-time collaboration and easy sharing of documents across the team.
Dropbox: A secure file storage and sharing platform, perfect for managing large files, photos, and videos. Dropbox simplifies document management and ensures that files are easily accessible.
Notion: An all-in-one workspace for note-taking, task management, and document sharing. Notion’s flexible setup makes it a great choice for teams needing to organise information and collaborate on projects.
4. Time management and productivity tools
Remote work requires strong time management skills to stay productive and maintain a healthy work-life balance. These tools help employees track their time, prioritise tasks, and stay focused throughout the day.
Todoist: A task management app that helps employees organise their daily tasks, set priorities, and track progress. It’s simple, intuitive, and effective for keeping to-do lists manageable.
RescueTime: This productivity app tracks how employees spend their time on different tasks and websites, providing insights into their daily habits. It helps identify distractions and improve focus.
Time Stream: Based on the Pomodoro Technique, this tool helps users break work into focused intervals with short breaks. It’s designed to enhance concentration and boost productivity throughout the day.
Create a Connected Remote Team With Thankbox!
Ready to build a connected and engaged remote team? Create a Thankbox today and discover how easy it is to celebrate milestones, show appreciation, and strengthen your company culture—all from the comfort of your home office.
Wrapping up
Remote-first companies are reshaping the future of work by offering flexibility, access to global talent, and a stronger work-life balance. With the right tools and a focus on building a connected culture, you can thrive in this exciting new era of work.
And with Thankbox, you can create meaningful connections and celebrate milestones, ensuring your remote team stays engaged and connected, no matter where they are.
Ready to embrace the remote-first revolution? Start building your dream team and create a Thankbox today!
Images: Cover | Man working from home | Online meeting
