Hiring Remote Workers

Hiring Remote Workers

Kelly Kuieck

Baker College

Hiring Remote Workers

Amidst the astounding explosion of advancements in technology, making the decision to outsource remote workers is one that businesses are now comprehensively exploring. In the article “Virtual Management”, Deidre-Ann Parrish (1997), Deidre-Ann reveals many companies are choosing to forego the conventional office in favor of the virtual workplace due to the numerous benefits. Parrish writes, “In the virtual world, you save money on office space you'd normally rent. You can hire employees anywhere in the world, thus expanding your market penetration. And, not least, you gain a broader pool of talent, as you're not limited to prospects in a specific geography.” With the economy still in such bad shape, coupled with the uncertainty of following the latest trend; how can a business be sure that a virtual workplace and hiring remote workers will make or break their company? The evidence laid out is very persuasive in arguing the myriad advantages when hiring remote workers significantly counterbalance the uncertainty or risk.

Parrish (1997) conveys in the article, that there are, as with any major business decision, some risks; particularly because managing remote workers is a multifaceted endeavor. The article introduces Clarence Wooten, president and co-founder of Metamorphosis Studios in Columbia, Maryland, as a paradigm. His company, established two decades ago, is a 100% virtual organization. All eight of his employee’s work remotely and every last detail of day to day business is done remotely as well. Parrish (1997) argues that remote workers can be a great benefit to employers, if, that is, the employers can ascertain and evaluate the skills of a suitable remote worker. Parrish (1997), explicates that communication is essential to fostering a formidable alliance with a collaborative team of remote workers and management. Parish (1997) believes given time, those that are wary of...