Reflecting on the Charles Aris Future of Work policy two years after launch

Charles Aris Executive Search announced an indefinite work-from-home option for its full-time team members in 2021. So far, the policy has benefited the firm in multiple ways.

Working from home gives team members additional flexibility while still adhering to the firm’s schedule. While many team members still prefer working full-time in a Charles Aris office, having the work-from-home option has inspired individuals to live and work where they are most comfortable – or to explore new regions.

Clifton Vaughan, a senior associate practice leader at Charles Aris, worked in the firm’s Greensboro, North Carolina headquarters until moving to New York City early in 2023. The firm’s remote work policy factored into Clifton’s decision because it meant he could continue working in his full-time role while exploring life in a different region.

It’s opened up new doors in the budding firm leader’s personal life and brought him closer to the talent market in the Northeast, which he’s frequently recruiting from to serve clients in the private equity space.

The policy has also allowed Charles Aris to hire team members around the nation who are eager to join the firm but are also happy staying where they already own homes, have families and run in active social circles. Ginna Ronis, one of the firm’s newest senior associate practice leaders, joined in 2023 as a fully remote employee from her home in Phoenix.

“Even with the time difference between Arizona and our headquarters in Greensboro, I have built strong relationships across the firm through Zoom,” Ginna said.

Before announcing the remote work policy in 2021, Charles Aris piloted a remote work option alongside Julia Opaleski, director of the Consumer, Retail & Hospitality Practice.

Having lived most of her life in Greensboro and starting her Charles Aris career in the office, Julia recognized herself needing change in 2019. Before the widespread adoption of remote work due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Julia piloted the Charles Aris remote work program by moving to St. Petersburg, Florida. In the heart of the Sunshine State, Julia was able to continue growing professionally while experiencing everything the new region had to offer her personally.

Many team members also utilize a hybrid schedule where they split their working hours between their home and a Charles Aris office. This style offers a balance between the camaraderie of the workplace community and the benefits of staying home, without causing employees to miss a beat in their work schedule or personal obligations.

Charles Aris has been headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina since 1969 and opened a second office in Washington, D.C. during 2020. As the firm continues to grow, its leaders are excited to continue supporting team members across the nation.

To learn more about working at Charles Aris, visit CharlesAris.com/careers.