Let’s talk about the elephant in the Zoom room: RTO (return to office) is everywhere. From headlines to heated X threads and Reddit discussions, the debate rages on: remote work vs. working in person, hybrid models vs. full-time office attendance.
But here’s the thing: at Apliteni, we’re not part of the RTO debate.
Why? Because we never left the office. We never had one.
Remote isn’t something we shifted to. It’s how we were built. From day one, we chose remote work as our foundation, not a perk, not a temporary fix. And we’re sticking with it, not because it’s trendy, but because it works.
So, if you’re still wondering whether requiring employees to return is the “right” move, let us share why we’re not just skipping the RTO mandate — we’re thriving without it.
1. We Never Had an Office
We didn’t transition to remote. We were born this way. No office leases, no cubicles, no pretending proximity equals productivity. From the start, we knew that great work doesn’t depend on real estate.
And that’s not a bug — it’s a feature. From day one, we built Apliteni around the belief that remote workers can thrive from anywhere. The best talent doesn’t live in one city, and creativity isn’t confined to an office environment.
Instead of pushing for office attendance, we double down on autonomy, tools, and outcomes. Our remote team doesn’t have to waste energy adapting to a one-size-fits-all structure. Because one size fits no one.
2. Flexibility = Productivity
A lot of companies still believe people only work productively when they’re working in person. But the data — and our experience — say otherwise. When our team gets to choose their work hours and location, they do better work.
Flexible working isn’t a compromise. It’s a catalyst. When people choose their work hours and flexible schedules, they work productively and with purpose. Whether someone thrives at dawn or after dinner, we care about their work product, not their location.
It’s not about “lazy remote employees.” It’s about flexible working that respects different rhythms, time zones, and energy levels. That’s how we unlock increased productivity — by not dragging people into an office five days a week.
3. The World Is Our Talent Pool
No headquarters? No problem. Remote work opportunities allow us to hire the best people, regardless of zip code. Our distributed model creates a truly global team.
We have 50+ professionals across 17+ countries — diverse in culture, perspective, and skills.
Forget hybrid models that still revolve around proximity. We’re global-first, merit-based, and proud of it.
Not remote and hybrid companies talk about diversity. We live it.
4. Everyone Saves Money (and Time)
Work from home isn’t just more convenient — it’s financially smarter. Our team saves on commuting, gas, wardrobe, uncomfortable shoes, and overpriced lunches.
We reinvest the savings from not needing to maintain an office space into better perks, cutting-edge software, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The benefits of working remotely go far beyond convenience.
5. It’s Better for the Planet
Let’s be real — commuting five days a week just to sit in front of a screen isn’t sustainable. Working remotely slashes emissions, energy use, and waste. Our model is leaner, greener, and built for a world that needs sustainable solutions.
It’s not just a business choice — it’s a values choice.
6. We Actually Have Work-Life Balance
You can’t talk about work-life balance while demanding office attendance like it’s 2010.
There’s no “balance” when you’re stuck in traffic, chasing office hours, and missing life. At Apliteni, we don’t believe in sacrificing your home life for the illusion of office full-time productivity. Our team has a real work-life balance because they control their time.
That trust has a measurable return: job satisfaction.
7. Autonomy Builds Culture — Not Office Snacks
We’re not into micromanagement masked as leadership. No one here is checking badge swipes or clocking days in the office.
Instead, we’ve built a culture of ownership. People know what success looks like and are trusted to get there in their own way.
Culture isn’t built through office attendance or pizza Fridays. It’s built through ownership, trust, and clarity. At Apliteni, no one needs to be in an office five days a week to feel seen.
We’ve proven that remote workers can be just as — if not more — engaged than those working in person.
8. We’re Ready for Anything
Pandemics. Power outages. Personal emergencies. Because we’ve always been remote, we’re built to weather any storm. Our work arrangement is flexible, resilient, and future-proof — unlike companies scrambling to justify their return-to-office policies after every curveball.
The future of work isn’t about buildings. It’s about being adaptable.
9. Our Tools Actually Help Us Communicate
It’s ironic, but remote work has made us closer, not more distant. Async updates, fast Slack check-ins, clear documentation — we communicate better, more transparently, and with fewer distractions. Remote workers thrive on clarity.
No more conference rooms. No more “this could have been an email’ meetings. Just clarity.
10. Our People Are Happier — And They Stick Around
Here’s the secret: remote work isn’t a gimmick. It’s the reason people join Apliteni — and the reason they stay. We see higher engagement, lower turnover, and deeper commitment. When you support remote jobs with the right tools and trust, people work productively and joyfully.
Why? Because they feel trusted, supported, and in control. That’s the magic of remote work — and it’s why we’re staying remote.
Some tech giants are doubling down on office space. Others are playing with hybrid models that please no one. But we’re not interested in short-term fixes or winning the RTO debate.
We’re focused on designing the future of work — one where trust replaces control, flexibility replaces rigidity, and people actually work productively on their own terms.
Because when you stop trying to force a one-size-fits-all work arrangement, amazing things happen.
We’re not returning to the office. We’re building something better.
