VIBE Awards 2023: Best Companies for Work Flexibility

A man sitting at a table outdoors and working on a laptop. — Getty Images

Today’s job seeker wants flexibility when it comes to their work schedules. How do we know? Consider studies like this one from Deloitte, which indicates that 94% of people say they would benefit from work flexibility and 43% cite less stress and better mental health as the No. 1 benefit. Our own data proves it, too: Of The Muse’s 10 most-searched perks and benefit terms, 30% are about remote or flexible opportunities.

Work flexibility is just one of the categories we spotlight in the 2023 VIBE Awards, which we created to showcase companies on The Muse with the strongest employee benefits programs. “VIBE” stands for “voted in by employees” because our methodology combines proprietary data about our partners and votes from their employees, who are asked to rank the strength of their company’s perks and benefits. For each of the seven VIBE Awards categories—which also include vacation and time off and professional development—we feature winners from small, medium, and large businesses.

Airbase, one of the small company winners, was a remote-first company even before the pandemic. As one employee says: “Airbase has flexibility built into its DNA. Besides having a generous PTO policy, we work really well asynchronously. We have open and honest dialogue so we can properly plan and coordinate our work while also accommodating the needs of others.”

Among the medium- and large-size company winners, Instacart was celebrated for its overall approach to remote and hybrid work schedules. “Instacart’s ‘flex first’ approach allows employees to choose whether they want to be fully remote and/or assigned to an office where they can come and go as they please,” says one employee. “The emphasis is on getting work done and delivering value to our customers, clients, and each other versus dictating where we need to be and when.”

Read on for the full list of winners in the work flexibility category.

Small Companies

Intradiem

Who they are: Intradiem develops AI-powered technology that allows back-end offices and contact centers handling customer service issues to work more efficiently.

What employees are saying: “Our CEO Matt McConnell often discusses how we have ‘freedom with responsibility’ in our remote-first work environment. This means so much to me as a working parent. I know that I have the freedom to take my kids to doctor appointments and soccer practices as long as I get my work done and meet my goals. I know Intradiem has my back. Always.”

Airbase

Who they are: This spend management platform helps companies handle accounts payable, corporate credit card programs, and employee expense reimbursements in one system.

What employees are saying: “As a single mom of two children, I value the work flexibility at Airbase. I am in charge of my hours and work however it is best for me and my family. Airbase is so supportive of employees as whole people.”

Health-E Commerce

Who they are: This e-commerce retailer sells health and wellness products that qualify for FSA and HSA spending.

What employees are saying: “Summer Fridays are a huge perk at HEC. Each employee is able to log off at 1 p.m. on Friday during the summer months. With this perk, I’ve found I’m more productive throughout the week.”

Mast-Jägermeister US

Who they are: This spirits brand imports and distributes premium liquors and spirits in the U.S. and is known for its namesake herbal liqueur.

What employees are saying: “I feel fortunate to work for a company that understands life is more important than just work. Don’t get me wrong: We are required to perform, but we have the flexibility to care for ourselves and our families when necessary.”

GameChanger

Who they are: This tech company and app helps youth sports teams stay connected, live stream games, keep score, and more.

What employees are saying: “Is it weird to feel retired at 29? I love the work flexibility offered at GameChanger. There’s nothing better than being able to flex my hours to get outside in the afternoon. And let’s not forget that unlimited vacation. We’re encouraged to travel often, take time to go out and learn new things, and make the most of a company policy that encourages freedom from the standard 8-5.”

Hometap Equity Partners

Who they are: Hometap is a fintech company on a mission to make homeownership more accessible.

What employees are saying: “Hometap’s flexible work location policy makes me feel like I can be on top of my life and my work. Unexpected appointments are easily handled and I don’t have to worry about managing time off for sudden life events. I feel that this increases my productivity because I’m never as stressed. I can always focus on the top priority.”

Medium & Large Companies

Instacart

Who they are: Instacart is a leader in online grocery, delivering groceries and everyday items to people across the U.S. and Canada.

What employees are saying: “Having a ‘take what you need’ approach to PTO takes so much weight off your shoulders. I never worry about needing to take time away for appointments, vacation, or just a day when I need a breather. Even more, you’re actually encouraged to take time off. Also, commuting stresses me out with Atlanta’s insane traffic, so the fact that I don’t have to do it unless I want to helps so much.”

Autodesk

Who they are: This design software company provides CAD and 3D modeling programs to businesses in a variety of industries.

What employees are saying: “Autodesk is very flexible about where you work. During COVID they found that employees were happier and even more productive when allowed to work from home, so they continued that policy and expanded it. I love being at home every day, but I go into an office for large meetings or big events when it makes sense to do so.”

Biogen

Who they are: This biotech company researches, develops, and distributes therapies for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.

What employees are saying:

“As a lab-based scientist, I need to come to the office most days, but Biogen lets me set my own hours and I can take meetings or process data from home when it suits my needs. In a single day, I often work four hours onsite and four hours online. It really improves my quality of life!”

TransUnion

Who they are: TransUnion is a global information and insights company and credit reporting agency.

What employees are saying: “I’ve been with TU for almost 30 years and have had two children born, raised, and are now moved out. I can’t even count the number of times I've been granted flexibility in my work day to accommodate doctor’s appointments, school activities, summer break, broken hearts, etc.”

Allstate

Who they are: Allstate is a consumer-focused, data-driven insurance company.

What employees are saying: “Allstate embraces every employee for the unique individual they are. They understand we all come with different backgrounds, skill sets, and experience, and they embrace that. As a disabled mother of three young children, I have the flexibility, support, and environment I need to be an exceptional employee and mother. I no longer feel I have to choose one or the other. Allstate is a wonderful organization.”

Opendoor

Who they are: This real estate company has built a digital, end-to-end customer experience that simplifies the process of buying and selling a home.

What employees are saying: “Last year, my son fractured his back and had six months of medical appointments as he recuperated. With Opendoor’s flexible work schedule, I was able to schedule my hours around his appointments, ensuring he got the medical care he needed.”