Why Remote-First Workplaces Are Thriving: Insights from the Akamai-i4cp Survey

The Surprising Success of Remote-First Workplaces

A recent survey conducted by Akamai Technologies in partnership with the Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp) reveals an enlightening trend in the workplace: remote-first companies are achieving remarkable productivity levels under this model. Contrary to popular belief, productivity does not hinge on traditional office settings, but rather on trust, flexibility, and effective team connections.

High Productivity Without Surveillance

In the study, a staggering 83% of remote-friendly companies report high productivity ratings. This figure comprises 62% who classify their productivity as high, with 21% asserting it is very high. An interesting highlight is that 62% of these organizations do not resort to surveillance tools, such as VPN logs or keystroke tracking. This lack of oversight indicates a strong cultural foundation based on trust between employers and employees, which is essential for fostering a productive environment.
Anthony Williams, Akamai's Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, emphasized, “Flexible work is a proven way to empower employees, and when executed successfully, this strategy reveals numerous benefits. Employees enjoy improved work-life balance while employers can attract and retain top talent.”

Remote Work: The New Norm

The pandemic has significantly altered workplace dynamics, with 52% of survey participants embracing remote work as their default setting. Only 7% plan to revert to pre-pandemic office setups, signaling a cultural shift in the approach to work flexibility. The top motivating factor for adopting a remote-first model is the access to a broader talent pool, identified by 72% of respondents. Other significant factors include work-life balance (62%) and employee retention (31%). This shift underscores the evolving nature of modern work, prioritizing metrics beyond traditional office attendance.

The Importance of Mental Well-being

Addressing mental health has emerged as a priority in remote-first organizations. The survey reflects that 79% of companies offer mental health benefits, and 72% provide flexible working hours. Moreover, over half of the organizations reimburse remote work expenses, creating an accommodating environment for employees. This not only portrays a commitment to employee well-being but also enhances job satisfaction and productivity.

Building Connections Remotely

Despite the distance, remote-first organizations recognize the need for fostering interpersonal connections among team members. Annual and semiannual in-person gatherings are common, with strategic planning sessions, team-building activities, and social events being essential components of company culture. According to the findings, companies that prioritize thoughtful gatherings witness stronger connections among team members, contributing significantly to a cohesive company culture.

The Path Ahead

Kevin Oakes, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder at i4cp, stated, “Remote-first organizations are demonstrating what’s achievable when work is designed for both performance and people.” As many companies grapple with in-office mandates, Akamai remains dedicated to a flexible work culture, continuously adapting to employee needs. This commitment is substantiated by performance ratings that exceed pre-flexible work levels, and a notably lower attrition rate of 7.3%, compared to the global tech average of 13.2%. The organization has also seen a 15% year-on-year increase in global applicants per hire, directly linked to its flexible approach to work.

The report titled Leading from Anywhere: Driving Results in the Age of Distributed Work draws insights from 59 senior leaders and HR professionals, encompassing businesses of all sizes. This collaborative research showcases how a diverse array of organizations, including Akamai, Zillow, and Chick-fil-A, is re-envisioning the employee experience in a remote-first framework.

By redefining workplace dynamics, remote-first organizations exemplify how trust and flexibility can yield impressive results, thereby setting a benchmark in the evolving landscape of work strategies. For more detailed insights, industry professionals and leaders are encouraged to attend i4cp’s Next Practices Weekly webinar, where further discussions on these findings will be held.
To access the full report, visit i4cp's website.