Strategies Information Technology Managers Use to Motivate Remote Employees

Some managers are experiencing challenges keeping remote workers motivated. Managers are concerned with motivating remote employees to ensure production levels are met or exceeded. Grounded in Vroom’s expectancy theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies information technology (IT) managers from five organizations in the Southeastern United States used to motivate remote employees. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with 5 business leaders, company website information, and other documentation provided by the IT leader. Data analysis involved recognizing frequent phenomena and coding meaningful and common themes, phrases, or key words. Four themes were evident: transformation leadership, communication, work-life balance through flexible work schedules, and employee engagement. A significant recommendation is precise communication and weekly team meetings to motivate remote employees. The implications for positive social change increase employee performance, reducing unemployment rates, and improving the local economy