What makes a high-
potential remote worker?
IAN MACRAE and ROBERTA SAWATZKY explain how remote workers
still need traditional HR processes such as performance
management to be at their most effective and engaged
Abstract
Remote workers once accounted for a tiny minority of employees, but some
estimates now suggest that 2020 will see up to 50% of the workforce being based
remotely. Flexible working schedules are becoming more popular and technology
makes it easier to work from any location and at any time. As remote and flexible
working increases employers need to better understand how to select, manage
and develop employees operating in a remote working environment. This
research shows what traits to look for when identifying high-potential remote
workers and how to performance manage this group.
remote workers should be selected
based on these traits.
3 Remote working has the
potential to boost employee
engagement, and consequently
boost productivity and
performance when it is managed
effectively. Our research shows
that even if people are working
remotely, the majority still
value direct face-to-face
communication when talking
about workplace performance.
Strategic HR A different slant
What’s new
As remote and flexible working
grows HR needs to ensure these
workers are effectively managed
and included in the talent
development pipeline as well as
in performance management.
All of the key HR activities
of spotting, managing and
developing people at work will
need to be adapted to suit the
remote working population as
the new norm.
This means HR will need to
actively manage remote workers
as part of the talent pipeline and
consider that:
1 Remote workers need the
right support from HR
and managers to be effective in
their roles. Think of how you
can adapt the traditional HR
activities of designing hiring
processes, onboarding activities,
mentoring programmes and
development opportunities for
those working remotely.
2 Remote workers often find
the transition to remote
working comes with much less
support and communication than
they get in a traditional office
environment. But there are
specific traits that predict the
success and performance of
remote workers, and we suggest
Key components for increasing
productivity of remote workers
1
Clear
performance
metrics enable
optimal
2
Increased
autonomy
improves work
engagement
Good selection
ensures the right fit
performance Increased
productivity
4
Sufficient
resources increase
self-efficacy
3
38 HR February 2020 hrmagazine.co.uk
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