UC professor offers suggestions to increase commitment from remote workers

Scott Dust writes in Fast Company that employers need to get creative

The emergence of remote work has been beneficial for both employers and employees but has left virtual employees feeling less committed to their organizations, a University of Cincinnati professor wrote for Fast Company.

Scott Dust

Scott Dust

Scott Dust, an associate professor of management in UC’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, wrote that employers can build affective commitment with their virtual employees. Affective commitment entails a sense of emotional attachment and identification with the organization’s mission and culture, increasing engagement and reducing turnover.

“Organizations that want affective commitment will need to focus on face-to-face onboarding, regular on-sites, and building familiarity through technology,” Dust wrote.

Dust also said employers should get creative. Benefits outside of work are good ways to promote affective commitment, he suggested.

“To successfully retain virtual employees will take much more than a competitive salary,” Dust wrote.

Read more from Fast Company.

Featured image at top courtesy of Unsplash.

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