Remote-First in Action: What the Data—and Our People—Say

Our People’s Perspective

At Tugela People, we’ve embraced a remote-first approach, not just as a policy, but as a reflection of our values. To understand what remote work really means to those who live it every day, we asked our team to share their experiences. Their insights form the heart of this blog, highlighting the personal and professional benefits of working remotely and demonstrating how this approach influences our culture and business.

Remote Work: Redefining Modern Work Culture

Remote work is no longer a temporary arrangement. It’s now a defining feature of modern work. While we maintain an office in Milton Keynes, our team is spread across the UK. The office is used for meetings, while employees are encouraged to use shared professional spaces around the country when they want a change of scenery or a more structured work environment, without a long commute.

A “remote-first” company is built to operate without relying on a central office. This approach prioritises flexibility, autonomy, and inclusivity, ensuring that employees, wherever they are, have equal access to opportunities, resources, and the ability to contribute meaningfully. Research from McKinsey & Company shows that 83% of employees report higher efficiency and productivity when working remotely, and fully remote organisations can outperform traditional office-based peers in organisational health.

What “Remote-First” Really Means

Remote-first goes beyond occasional work-from-home days. It represents a shift in how work is structured, prioritising outcomes over physical presence. All employees, regardless of their physical location, have equal access to resources, collaboration tools, and career development opportunities.

Sonja Powell, HRIS Consultant: “Flexibility! The ability to manage my work around my life, rather than the other way around, makes a huge difference. Whether it’s attending appointments, going to school events, running errands, or putting the washing on, I have much more choice about when these things get done. It’s not just about working remotely; it’s about being part of a culture that manages by outputs and values inclusion.”

Corné Carter, Client Payroll Specialist: “The best part of working remotely is being present in my kids’ lives in the everyday moments—not just at bedtime. Whether it’s school runs, sharing meals, or hearing about their day as it happens, I get to be part of the little things I’d otherwise miss.”

Ayesha Ahmad, HRIS Technical Support Consultant: “Remote work gives me the freedom to be fully present for milestones and everyday moments. From class assemblies to sports days, I can show up without feeling like I’m choosing between family and work.”

Kate Scott, Client Success Manager: “Being here for my boys when they got their GCSE and A-level results was priceless.”

Commuting, Distance, and Global Flexibility

Remote-first approaches reduce commuting time, allowing employees to spend more time with their families and improve their work-life balance. The UK Office for National Statistics reports that the average commuter spends 59 minutes per day travelling to work. Avoiding this commute also helps reduce environmental impact.

Louise Connah, Payroll Manager: “No commute! Those extra hours I save are hours I can spend with my family, so I can work without feeling like I’m missing teatime or bedtime.”

Steffi Schulz, Sales Support Specialist: “Being able to do school runs and save time on commuting also allows me to take the children to my parents’ house in Germany during school holidays while continuing to work.”

Fumie Masuda, HRIS Consultant: “A difficult personal situation required me to travel to Japan. Being remote-first enabled me to work without taking annual leave and maintain continuity on a client project, even across the time difference. The project was a great success, and the client gave us a 10/10 rating.”

Eddy Bockling, Project Manager – Additional Services: One of the most significant advantages of Tugela People being remote-first is that I’ve had the opportunity to work with many wonderful people across the UK—something that wouldn’t have been possible if we were a location-based company. I’ve moved from Manchester to Carlisle, and eventually to Newcastle, while continuing to work for a company with fantastic values.

Career Opportunities Without Limits

Remote-first enables employees to access roles that would otherwise be limited by location.

Karen Gardner, Senior HRIS Consultant: “It gave me the ability to do a job I wanted to do, not just something within commuting distance. I could work full-time for the first time since becoming a parent, attend school events, and take control of my career path.”

Mariska Legters, HRIS Technical Support Consultant: “Working remotely allowed me to move away from London to the Peak District without losing career momentum. I don’t miss the two-hour peak-hour commute anymore!”

Remote-first companies attract a broader talent pool, enabling people to take on roles that were previously limited by distance. Research shows organisations with strong remote-first models have up to 47% higher productivity and can reduce attrition by up to 50% (Owl Labs, 2023; BBC Worklife, 2023).

Supporting Wellbeing

Remote work allows employees to prioritise their health while staying productive.

Lisa Cumming, Finance Manager: “One of the things I most value is being able to find time to exercise. I just have to go downstairs to my sitting room! Time I might have spent commuting is put to better use.”

Bella O’Brien, HRIS Apprentice: “Working remotely gives me the flexibility to attend blood tests and manage my chronic illness without taking annual leave. My medication can be delivered to my home, and I don’t have to worry about missing a delivery.”

Everyday Joys and Connection

Remote work also brings joy through small, everyday moments.

Jamie Wilkins, Head of Services: “A 3-year-old popping in to say hello, or our golden retriever demanding a fuss—these moments make the workday feel human and fun.”

Kerryn Schilling, Business Administrator: “I can care for my animals throughout the day, even in winter. It makes life easier and more connected.”

Nicki Bond, Marketing Manager: “Collecting my son from school, chatting about his day, and enjoying moments with our Labradors make working from home more than just a way of working—it’s about being present for the ones who matter most.”

Samantha Angel, Managed Service Team Leader: “Hearing my daughter and husband laughing while I work brings comfort and allows me to focus, knowing they’re happy.”

Remote, but Connected

At Tugela People, remote-first isn’t just about location—it’s about thriving professionally and personally. By embedding flexibility, autonomy, and inclusivity, we enable employees to participate fully in their families’ lives while delivering excellent results for clients.

Research indicates that remote-first companies outperform hybrid or traditional office-based models in terms of engagement and efficiency. Forbes and BBC Worklife report higher productivity, reduced attrition, and lower operational costs. With global remote work projected to rise by 25% by 2030 (World Economic Forum), Tugela People is well-positioned to lead the way.

We’re proud to foster a culture where employees can thrive, families stay connected, and the business succeeds—proving that remote work is far more than a trend; it’s the future of work.