Three Stages to a Virtual Workforce

Employing virtual (i.e., remote) workers can provide significant benefits, but many companies that have tried to transition to a virtual workforce have failed because they do not understand the social and knowledge networks of remote workers. Based on the experiences of two virtual working pioneers, we have developed the Virtual Work Stage Model as a guide for companies seeking to transition to a virtual workforce. Having described the model, we provide recommendations that will help managers successfully make this transition.(1)