In the current landscape of flexibility and remote work, small biopharmaceutical companies are perceived to have an advantage over larger enterprises, according to recent findings by BioSpace. Many professionals in the pharma and biotech sectors appreciate the work-life balance offered by these smaller organizations.

This month, BioSpace revealed its 2025 Best Places to Work winners, determined through feedback from over 3,600 life sciences professionals. While both small and large employers received high marks for flexibility and remote work options, smaller companies attained an impressive average score of 8.71 out of 10, compared to the 7.9 score achieved by their larger counterparts.

Furthermore, a LinkedIn poll conducted this month showed that 71% of respondents believe smaller biopharmaceutical firms provide better remote work options. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that not every small company excels in this area, as some still mandate on-site presence. Despite this, the overall percentage of biopharmas advertising remote positions remains low; as of November 20, only 5.3% of job listings on the BioSpace website were designated as “working from home,” indicating that remote work is not the industry standard.

Circumstantial Variations in Flexibility

According to Greg Clouse, recruitment manager at BioSpace, flexibility in biopharmaceutical companies is influenced by various circumstances. At larger firms, the feasibility of remote work often rests on the specific job role. Regulatory professionals, senior leaders, and tech writers typically have more flexibility compared to lab workers, who must be on-site.

In contrast, very small companies with no labs can allow full remote work for their employees. However, as organizations expand, this flexibility often diminishes. Clouse notes, “Once you start talking about companies with labs and production floors, smaller companies need people on-site to drive product development and operational tasks.”

Experiences with Flexibility in Different Settings

Abhiram, who requested anonymity, shared his experiences transitioning from a small biotech to a larger firm. At the small company, he had to be physically present daily, which limited his ability to attend medical appointments without taking leave. In contrast, at his current larger employer, he enjoys the flexibility of working remotely two days a week, along with flexible hours enabling him to manage personal commitments more effectively.

Victoria, another BioSpace employee who chose to remain unnamed, has found better flexibility at her small biotech firm compared to experiences at larger companies. Previously, she faced a two-hour daily commute that left her feeling drained. Currently, she works 100% remotely and emphasized the mental relief of avoiding long commutes. “I’ve consciously stopped seeking large companies because their policies often require in-person attendance,” she stated.

Insights from Award-Winning Biopharmas

To further explore the flexibility and remote work options in biopharma, BioSpace engaged executives from its top-rated Best Places to Work winners: Apogee Therapeutics and Insmed.

Apogee Therapeutics: A Remote-First Strategy

At Apogee Therapeutics, approximately 92% of nearly 200 employees work remotely, as noted by Emily Cox, vice president and head of people. The firm conducts in-person gatherings two to three times a year to foster team relationships and professional development. Cox stated, “Being remote has really enabled us to tap into a broader talent pool and ensure that we aren’t constrained to a single geography.”

Insmed: Flexibility Tailored to Roles

Insmed also adopts a flexible working approach, allowing nearly 1,200 employees to choose their work locations based on their roles. Nicole Schaeffer, chief people strategy officer, highlighted the company’s emphasis on in-person collaborations for significant events while accommodating remote work for most employees. This strategy has contributed to a low employee turnover rate of under 10%. “We’ve fostered a culture where office attendance is only required when meaningful,” she explained.

The Importance of Hybrid Work Environments

In companies promoting flexible work arrangements, hybrid models are becoming increasingly popular. Jill Drury, a medical director at Chicago-based AbbVie, emphasized the importance of this balance. She noted that her experience of rigid hours in a hospital setting has been transformed by her current role, where she can work from the office two to three days a week. Drury believes that personal interactions foster authentic connections that virtual meetings sometimes lack.

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