By Pranesh Anthapur, Kraken’s Chief Human Resources Officer
As other companies grapple with return-to-office (RTO) mandates, remote work continues to be a habit at Kraken.
We’re building a borderless financial future in a number of ways. Our vision demands a workforce as free and flexible as the crypto we champion. We empower our employees (Krakenites) to shape their own careers, while helping shape the future of the global economy, no matter where they are on the planet.
The problem with centralized offices
Despite evidence that remote work improves productivity, culture, and employee satisfaction, many organizations are forced to cling to outdated office-based models. Remote work is simply not in their DNA.
A 2023 Conference Board survey found that 73% of organizations are struggling to bring employees back on-site, with 68% considering or implementing strategies to increase in-person work. But organizations with mandatory on-site policies face significant talent retention challenges, with 71% reporting such difficulties.
Creativity is illuminated by ingenuity, not fluorescent lights!
The message from most workers is clear: flexibility is non-negotiable. 77% of Gen Z and 75% of millennials in remote or hybrid roles would consider leaving their jobs if forced to return to the office full-time.
The question is not whether to embrace remote work, but how quickly companies can adapt to the future of work that is already here.
Why we work (almost) everywhere and anywhere
Why do we stick with remote work? The results speak for themselves: over 80% of Kraken residents say we support their work-life balance, and 92% enthusiastically recommend Kraken as a great place to work.
Remote work isn’t just about working from home. It’s about rethinking the broader concept of how employment works globally. Let’s take a closer look at some of the aspects of our borderless approach.
Each Krakenite, free to move
Kraken doesn’t just enable a globetrotting lifestyle: we strap a rocket to it.
Kraken residents can embrace the digital nomad lifestyle with the support of our team of security experts. Our “productively paranoid” approach ensures top-notch technology and security for remote workers, all backed by a 24/7 global emergency response team. Being a digital nomad means exploring the culture and gaining valuable insights into crypto use cases globally.
Remote work remains an important factor in retaining talent within web3. In a recent Consensys survey, two out of three respondents consider themselves digital nomads. Additionally, 72% of professionals consider remote and flexible work opportunities to be a key reason for staying in their current job.
The global remote work landscape is improving all the time, with countries like Portugal, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, and Spain now offering attractive visa programs for digital nomads. With projections of 60 million digital nomads by 2030, it’s clear that workers are choosing global freedom and opportunity over traditional office-based careers.
Flexible hours, without borders
Remote work isn’t just a perk. It’s a priority that’s worth money to workers.
A 2023 FlexJobs survey of more than 8,400 U.S. employees found that 17% would take a pay cut of up to 20% to work remotely; one in 10 would sacrifice more than 20% of their salary to leave the office permanently.
But here’s the thing: Krakenites can have their cake and eat it too when it comes to compensation.
Kraken residents enjoy a career in crypto that aligns with their values and beliefs about crypto, while also earning salaries that meet the highest industry standards worldwide. Additionally, Kraken residents have the option to earn some or all of their salary in crypto.
Our global remote presence allows us to focus on talent when recruiting. We look for people who not only excel in their roles, but who will also drive innovation and contribute to the growth of the team. Our globally distributed workforce includes over 3,000 Krakenites in 70 countries, speaking over 50 languages. Our global presence helps ensure seamless operations 24/7, a critical advantage in the always-connected world of crypto.
Retreats build global perspectives
We’ve abandoned the expensive corporate office model in favor of something far more powerful: global retirement.
Kraken Retreats are not only about work, but also about expanding perspectives, promoting teamwork and well-being. Created by Jesse Powell, our former CEO and current President, these gatherings bring together Krakenites from around the world for face-to-face connections and shared global perspectives. As a direct result of the retreats, 94% of Krakenites report improved morale, 84% experience increased motivation, and 90% report making meaningful connections with their colleagues.
By redirecting resources from static office spaces to dynamic global experiences for our Krakenites, we are building an engaged and connected workforce that is truly borderless.
The future is teleworking
From Lisbon to Lagos, Madrid to Mexico City, we prove that brilliant people don’t need to share a zip code to collaborate effectively.
Ready to work for a company that won’t budge on its remote-first policy? Make work work for you.
These materials are provided for general informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice, or a recommendation or solicitation to buy, sell, stake, or hold any cryptoassets, or to participate in any specific trading strategy. Kraken makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, suitability, or validity of this information and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or for any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the display or use of it. Kraken does not and will not work to increase or decrease the price of any particular cryptoasset that it makes available. Certain crypto products and markets are unregulated and you may not be protected by government compensation and/or regulatory protection schemes. The unpredictable nature of the cryptoasset markets may result in the loss of funds. Tax may be payable on any return and/or increase in the value of your crypto assets and you should seek independent advice on your tax position. Geographic restrictions may apply.
