A Study of 1,100 Employees Found That Remote Workers Feel Shunned and Left Out
A Study of 1,100 Employees Found That Remote Workers Feel Shunned and Left Out







	

			
		

	


		

Here are seven ways managers can help them feel included.
		
	

		



	November 02, 2017


	

			
				




	





	




	
	
		
			
				
						
	
	

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		New research shows that remote employees are more likely to feel left out and ganged up on than their on-site colleagues. Specifically, they worry that coworkers say bad things behind their backs, make changes to projects without telling them in advance, lobby against them, and don’t fight for their priorities. Managers may be tempted to cancel remote work programs and get everyone back in the office, but instead they should change their own behavior. There are seven skills that the study showed help managers make their remote employee feel included and cared for, including: checking in with distant colleagues regularly and frequently; insisting on some face time (even if it’s on video conference); making expectations explicit; and being available to remote colleagues through a variety of channels.

	

					
						
	
	
		
			
				
						
	
	

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								When it comes to virtual teams, if you’re out of sight, you’re also out of mind. While more and more people are working remotely, our recent study suggests that unless we take extra measures to build trust and connection with colleagues, we pay dearly for doing so.
						

					
				

				
		

						


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						Joseph Grenny is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, Crucial Conversations. He is also the cofounder of Crucial Learning, a learning company that offers courses in the areas of communication, performance, and leadership.
					
		
	
	
		
		
						David Maxfield is a New York Times bestselling author, keynote speaker, and leading social scientist for business performance. He leads the research function at VitalSmarts, a corporate training and leadership development company. His work has been translated into 28 languages, is available in 36 countries, and has generated results for 300 of the Fortune 500.
					
		
	
	

	
	
		
			
				
						
	
	

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		New!
			
				HBR Learning
			
			Team Management Course
			Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Team Management. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
			Build a better team and achieve more of what matters.
			
			
		
		
		
	


			
		

	




				