Elastic's guide to distributed work highlights the distinctions between remote work and distributed teams, emphasizing that distributed companies prioritize performance over location. Elastic, a company with employees in over 40 countries, believes in a work ethos where location is irrelevant to success. The guide outlines strategies for thriving in a distributed environment, such as advocating for one's needs, planning communication, and setting clear expectations and boundaries. Elastic fosters a culture of connection and support, encouraging employees to reach out and communicate across time zones using tools like Slack and email. The guide underscores the importance of maintaining work-life balance and building a sense of community, which requires intentional planning and effort in a distributed setup.