Managing human resources in telework: Theoretical essay on proposing a new control model

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has been a major catalyst for the rise of telework in the workplace. Although this practice undoubtedly offers benefits in terms of efficiency, flexibility, time savings and cost savings, it also comes with challenges for companies and human resource managers. One of those major challenges is dealing with distance control. Indeed, managers must find new ways to supervise and evaluate the work of teleworkers.

This article presents a reflection on the management of teleworkers, in response to the Covid-19 crisis that has disrupted work habits around the world. The objective of this article is to study the benefits and challenges of telecommuting, and in particular the control mechanisms that managers can deploy to supervise remote workers. In order to address this topic, we first identified the main definitions of telework. Next, we listed the most relevant benefits and issues of telework. Finally, we identified the most commonly cited managerial practices and control mechanisms used in telework situations.

We propose, through this paper, a theoretical and conceptual framework to help companies to better understand the various methods of control and to explore the potential of telework as an essential work practice. We emphasize the importance of trust, autonomy and self-monitoring as alternatives to direct managerial control in the supervision of teleworkers' performance.

Keywords: Management; Telework; Human resources; Control mechanisms; Autonomy

JEL Classification: M5, M54

Paper type: Theoretical Research