The San Francisco Standard just published an article celebrating return to office mandates, citing an “exciting resurgence of energy” downtown.
It’s hard to argue the benefits for small businesses catering to lunchtime employees, the vision of a bustling downtown, as well as commercial office space holders looking to renegotiate 10-year leases in the financial district, but what it does not address is whether it’s good for the company itself.
I recently sat down with a former employee to talk about his return to Bospar. He had left because he moved to New York and felt he needed a physical office environment to make new friends in his new city.
What he described to me was indeed in an office but sounded suspiciously like a group of people behaving as if they were working from home, but without the benefits of skipping the commute and living wherever they like.
Each morning, he and his colleagues exchanged a quick hello upon arriving at the office—and that was the extent of their collaboration. In a professional services agency, however, flexibility is essential. We must adapt to a wide range of clients, locations and communication preferences—which often means being on camera at our desks, fully engaged with them.
So whereas he technically did go into work each day, people sitting right next to him still communicated with him over Zoom, rather than fighting for office space and appearing to clients as tiny dots around a table. They were effectively bowing to the efficiencies and benefits of the work from home model, while also presumably making management happy that the expensive office space they had leased is technically in use.
Bospar has always believed that work isn’t confined to a specific location—it’s about passion, dedication and results – and finding and hiring the best talent where they are. From our inception in 2015, we’ve championed a remote-first model, allowing our team to operate from anywhere while delivering exceptional service to our clients.
Empowering our team with the right tools
Central to our remote operations is the strategic use of technology. We’ve integrated platforms like Zoom for seamless virtual meetings, Slack for real-time communication and Trello for efficient project management. These tools keep our team connected, collaborative, and working efficiently—no matter where we are.
Fostering a culture of flexibility and well-being
Our commitment to flexibility goes beyond just working hours. By allowing employees to manage their schedules, we’ve seen a significant boost in productivity and job satisfaction. A December 2024 survey of employees by Propeller Insights, commissioned by Bospar, revealed that 61% of employees feel more productive working from home, with 81.4% reporting an improved work-life balance.
Prioritizing environmental responsibility
Working from home isn’t just beneficial for our team; it’s also a win for the environment. Our Earth Day 2024 survey highlighted that 95% of remote workers engage in eco-friendly practices, such as reducing single-use plastics and conserving energy. This shift contributes to a smaller carbon footprint and a more sustainable future.
Investing in employee growth and support
We understand that a successful remote model requires continuous support and development. Bospar offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and career development opportunities, ensuring our team feels valued and equipped to excel. Additionally, we provide a monthly stipend for personal improvement and wellness, reflecting our commitment to supporting growth both inside and outside the workplace.
Celebrating a decade of remote excellence
As we mark our 10th anniversary, we’re proud of the milestones achieved through our remote-first approach. Our journey demonstrates that with the right tools, culture and commitment, working from home isn’t just feasible—it’s a catalyst for superior business outcomes.
At Bospar, working from home isn’t a trend; it’s the foundation of our success. We remain dedicated to refining our remote operations, ensuring that our team thrives and our clients receive unparalleled service.
