As the world transitions to a more digital-based economy, businesses and organizations are increasingly looking for ways to capitalize on the numerous advantages of remote work. Remote friendly vs remote first are two different approaches to this transition, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. This comprehensive guide will explore the differences between remote friendly and remote first, as well as provide examples of successful companies that have adopted either approach.

What is Remote Friendly?

Remote friendly is an approach to working remotely that allows some employees to work from home or other remote locations, while the majority of employees still work in a traditional office setting. This approach is often used by organizations that are transitioning to remote work, but are not yet ready to adopt a fully remote model. With remote friendly, some teams or individuals may have the opportunity to work remotely, while the rest of the company still works in the office.

The main benefit of remote friendly is that it allows employers to reap the benefits of remote work without having to make a full commitment. This allows organizations to test out the remote model and make sure it works for them before fully transitioning to a remote-first approach. Additionally, remote friendly can be beneficial for employees who prefer to work in a traditional office setting, while still allowing some flexibility for those who wish to work from home.

The drawbacks of remote friendly are twofold. Firstly, there is the potential for unequal access to remote opportunities. Some teams or individuals may be able to work remotely, while others may not. This can lead to feelings of resentment or unfairness among employees, as those who are able to work remotely may feel like they are getting preferential treatment. Secondly, remote friendly can be more difficult to manage than fully remote teams, as it requires the organization to manage both remote and in-office employees.

What is Remote First?

Remote first is a working model that is entirely based on remote work. This approach eliminates the need for a physical office and instead allows employees to work remotely from anywhere in the world. Remote first is becoming increasingly popular, as it offers numerous benefits to organizations and employees alike.

The main benefit of remote first is that it eliminates the need for a physical office, which can save organizations significant amounts of money in overhead costs. Additionally, remote first allows for a more diverse and distributed team, as employees do not need to live in a certain area to be able to work for the organization. This can lead to a more productive and innovative team, as members from different backgrounds can bring unique ideas and perspectives to the table.

The main drawback of remote first is the lack of face-to-face interaction. Working remotely can make it more difficult for teams to collaborate and communicate, as remote teams are often spread out across different time zones and locations. Additionally, some employees may struggle with productivity and motivation when working remotely, as there is no physical office to go to and no colleagues to collaborate with.

Examples of Successful Remote Friendly and Remote First Companies

There are numerous companies that have successfully implemented either a remote friendly or remote first approach. For example, Adobe has been using a remote friendly model for years, allowing certain employees to work from home or other remote locations. This approach has been incredibly successful for the company, as it has allowed them to reap the benefits of remote work while still maintaining a traditional office setting.

Buffer is another example of a successful remote first company. Buffer has been entirely remote since its inception and has found numerous ways to make remote work productive and successful. This includes providing employees with the tools and resources they need to be successful, as well as encouraging collaboration and communication between team members.

Conclusion

Whether to adopt a remote friendly or remote first approach depends on the organization's needs and goals. Both models offer advantages and drawbacks and the best approach for each organization will depend on its unique situation. Companies should carefully consider their goals and objectives before deciding which approach is best for them.