B Corp Oyster Fuels Talent Growth in Emerging Markets; $137M Directed Into Underserved Communities

Oyster®, the global employment solution to employ, pay, and care for distributed teams, today released its fourth annual Impact Report. The report shows that $137 million in payments flowed to emerging markets—a 28% increase from last year—helping unlock fair work opportunities in underserved communities worldwide.

As businesses navigate economic uncertainty and geopolitical challenges, remote and global hiring have evolved into a competitive advantage for accessing diverse talent. Oyster's platform has become a catalyst for true workforce globalization, with emerging markets now representing 47% of new hires—a 3-point increase from the previous year—and 43% of the active workforce operating from countries like Egypt, Philippines, India, South Africa, and Brazil. What’s more, the report shows an 11-point confidence boost from first to subsequent emerging market hires, demonstrating growing trust in global talent.

Overcoming Global Hiring Hesitation

One of the report's most significant findings reveals a "confidence multiplier" effect, where initial success in emerging market hiring correlates directly with expanded international recruitment.

• 37% of companies make their first international hire from emerging markets, up 8% YoY.
• After the first hire, 48% of subsequent hires come from emerging markets.
• Companies report witnessing unexpected positive impacts from emerging market hiring beyond initial expectations.

Flexible Employment Models

The report shows that companies adapt employment models depending on local market conditions. This flexibility allows companies to hire the right talent in the right way, wherever they operate.

• In developed economies, 86% of team members are full-time employees, with 14% contractors.
• In emerging markets, full-time employees make up 53%, with 47% contractors—a threefold higher contractor rate reflecting local preferences and economic structures.

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Addressing Gender Equality

While celebrating progress in gender pay equity within global workforce diversification, the report also identifies persistent challenges that require continued attention.

• The median salary for women grew 17% over three years vs. 13% for males.
  • In developed countries, women earn $83.4K median vs. men's $106.1K.
  • In emerging markets, women earn $29.7K median vs. men's $50.7K.
• 74% of female Team Members in emerging markets report improved quality of life.
• Growing female representation in technical roles YoY; gender parity emerging in data analysis positions (4.5% female vs. 3.1% male).

Impact Runs the Gamut

As a fully distributed company, Oyster's operations demonstrate the environmental benefits of remote work models that enable global hiring at scale. The remote-first model eliminates commuting and office building emissions while extending equipment lifecycles.

• Per-employee carbon emissions are approximately 80% lower than the industry average.
• Full-time remote work can reduce individual carbon footprints by up to 54% compared to office-based work.
• Over 70% employee satisfaction rating; 72% report positive career development impact.

Commitment to B Corp Standards

Oyster has been mission-driven since day one. In addition to ESG standards, as a B Corp, the company aims to improve across broader impact dimensions. This year Oyster is prioritizing:

• Enhanced vendor screening procedures incorporating ESG standards.
• Company-wide ethics and compliance training including executive leadership.
• Continued investment in environmental sustainability measurement and reporting.

"B Corp certification holds us accountable to proving that business success and positive impact aren't mutually exclusive,” says Miranda Zolot, General Counsel at Oyster. “When we see $137 million flowing to emerging markets while helping companies access global talent, and measurably reducing carbon footprints, that's exactly the kind of measurable change our certification represents. It serves as both a compass for our decisions and proof that when companies expand their hiring horizons, everyone wins—businesses get the talent they need, and talented people worldwide get opportunities they deserve."

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Source:  Businesswire