PHWP: Abstract Detail: Managing flexworkers: Holding on and letting go

This study provides a qualitative analysis of the issues that surface in managing workers who are allowed to perform at least some of their work at home. Interviews identified several themes regarding the management of these workers. Managers have to learn to balance the provision of autonomy with the need to establish cohesion among workgroup members. Furthermore, trust becomes more important when workers are not physically at work. Interpersonal relationships and interactions become more important as employees working from home need to develop and maintain effective relations with co-workers, which may come about differently when workers are not all centrally located. Lastly, managers need to avoid attempts to micromanage employees that work from home, as this is likely to be met with difficulty and may damage relationships with those employees.

Richardson, J. (2010). Managing flexworkers: holding on and letting go. The Journal of Management Development, 29, 137.