Though the pandemic demonstrated just how many jobs could be completed successfully from home for many who had never done so before, it has also caused corporations and nonprofit organizations alike to consider offering remote and hybrid work opportunities as an additional employee recruiting and retention tool. Working from home can be attractive to employees and employers and creating a work environment and culture that is conducive to remote work can also be mutually beneficial. The Michigan eLibrary (MeL) includes articles and eBooks that can be used to begin answering some common questions people have about working remotely.

Does remote work foster innovation? In an article titled "Remote Work Can Be Better for Innovation Than In-Person Meetings" in Scientific American Mind, a publication from Academic Search Complete, Gleb Tsipursky suggests seven steps for asynchronous virtual brainstorming that can lead to generating more original ideas than in-person brainstorming sessions. These steps allow introverts and lower-status team members to have an equal voice, both of whom are often overlooked during in-person meetings.

Can workplaces create a solid culture with remote workers? Also included in Academic Search Complete, Lucas Mearian, a reporter for Computerworld (Online Only), interviewed Jessica Kriegel about what business leaders need to do to create a workplace culture in "Q&A: How to Create Workplace Culture in a Time of Remote Work." Kriegel shares that workplace culture is not about perks but is more focused on “. . . the feelings we share that shape our beliefs.” She encourages rewarding risk-taking and meeting intentionally rather than punitive systems that heavily monitor employees.

What policies need to be in place for successful remote work? In terms of both human resources and technology, having clear policies can make all the difference for a smooth-running organization. "Managing Remote Work: 7 Tips for Creating Effective Employer Policies" in Employee Benefit Plan Review, a publication in Associates Programs Source, provides excellent ideas to help organizations shore up policies for remote workers.

How can I learn more about successful remote work?

The eBook Public Library Collection includes several eBooks that can get any organization started on the path to remote work, including:

The Long-Distance Teammate: Staying Engaged and Connected While Working Anywhere by Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel

The Long-Distance Leader: Rules for Remarkable Remote Leadership by Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel

Working Virtually: Transforming the Mobile Workplace by Trina Hoefling

The Remote Facilitator’s Pocket Guide by Kirsten Clacey and Jay-Allen Morris

Now that remote and hybrid work have become a normal part of workplace culture, it’s a great time to use the MeL eResources to learn more about what is possible.

If you have any MeL eResources questions or issues, contact [email protected] for help.