A Guide to Managing Your (Newly) Remote Workers

byBarbara Z. Larson, Susan R. Vroman, Erin E. Makarius

Summary.   With the Covid-19 epidemic, many employees — and their managers — are finding themselves working out of the office and separated from each other for the first time. Fortunately, there are specific, research-based steps that managers can take.

In response to the uncertainties presented by Covid-19, many companies and universities have asked their employees to work remotely. Whileclose to a quarter of the U.S. workforce already works from homeat least part of the time, the new policies leave many employees — and their managers — working out of the office and separated from each other for the first time.

Although it is always preferable to establish clear remote-work policies and training in advance, in times of crisis or other rapidly changing circumstances, this level of preparation may not be feasible. Fortunately, there are specific,research-based steps that managers can takewithout great…