Why are you not hiring remote workers? - (37signals)

Link: Why are you not hiring remote workers?

I really enjoy the writing over at 37 Signals and one post they threw up the other day about hiring remote employees has created quite an interesting comment stream. A lot of companies aren't very interested in hiring remote employees, which is frustrating for people who have proved themselves to be effective remotely. I know this from experience and I think there are some legitimate reasons for this although they are largely eliminated once a remote worker has proved themselves in that environment.

Of course this can be a problem for candidates who are already remote workers who want to change jobs. Every time you change jobs you have to prove yourself again, that's just a fact. Since remote workers don't have that track record with the new employer. It will be tough to convince a new employer of the benefits of hiring you remotely. This is especially true if the new or prospective employer has no experience of hiring remotely themselves.

I think the answer is in the comment stream, that it's time for a job board for companies that hire remote workers exclusively. Companies that have a track record with working with remote employees and who can engage and develop the organization within that model. It is those kind of companies where remote workers are going to get the most traction with in their job search.

Comments

[Andrew]

While I'm currently based in Wellington NZ, I'm about to move north, to Napier (for the lifestyle, and family, and the cheap housing).

I've just picked up a job working in Finland.

I work the hours that suit me (as long as they add up to what I'm contracted for). I can split my day, work in the morning (while they're all asleep) on stuff on my own, take a few hours off in the afternoon, and work more in the evening (when they're all awake).

My hourly rate's lower than they could get someone local (to them) for, and I'm still getting a 20% pay increase from my last NZ based job. Sure, it's subject to exchange rate fluctuations on the Euro, but I can live with that.

The challenge is in the communication, and the time zones. But that's just a matter of working flexible.

We use Skype, IM and email for communication/collaboration.

It adds a few extra challenges, but it adds opportunities as well. The difficulties can be turned into benefits, I think, if I work smart enough at it.

So far, I'm loving it.