Can a Work-at-Home Policy Hurt Morale? (HBR Case Study)

A fictitional human resource management scenario is presented, with contributors providing advice. The scenario involves a drop in morale among employees working at the office, who perceive themselves at a disadvantage compared to employees who are working remotely. The remote employees are generating far more productivity than those in the office; the on-site employees grapple with working later and commutes. One suggestion recommends expanding the work-at-home program slowly while providing productivity training for on-site employees. Another recommends assessing what roles can and cannot be done from home, and establishing specific criteria for at-home workers. At-home workers who fail to meet these criteria would be brought back on-site. Collaboration and camaraderie should be fostered in both scenarios.