Remote Work Glossary

Remote-first companies build all processes, communication, and culture around distributed work as the default. Remote-friendly companies allow remote work but often maintain office-centric practices where remote workers may miss important conversations.

An EOR is a third-party organization that legally employs workers in countries where a company doesn't have a legal entity, handling payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance.

Async-first means communication happens primarily through written documentation and messages rather than real-time meetings, allowing team members across time zones to contribute during their productive hours.

EOR employment provides benefits and protections but less flexibility. Contracting offers more independence but requires handling your own taxes and benefits. Long-term roles often work better as EOR employment.

Timezone overlap refers to hours when team members in different locations work simultaneously. Many remote companies require 3-4 hours of overlap for real-time collaboration.