ABSTRACT
Abstract: Remote work is acknowledged to have considerable challenges. But, of course, not all remote work is alike. Building on our research into remote work in various types of collaboratories (science collaborations involving many institutions and scientists) and case studies of remote work in corporations, we identify six types of remote work, and then list the challenges shared by all and those that are particular to each type. We then discuss potential solutions to the challenges, best practices noted in our field, and laboratory work. Among the solutions are evenly distributed technology, services for awareness of activity in the remote location, explicit achievement of common ground, trust-building exercises, and incentives designed to encourage collaboration. It is additionally important to design the work so that the remote connections are not tightly coupled, but rather require little interaction to be successful. We additionally acknowledge that the social and technical worlds are evolving, which may make remote work eventually possible and distance matter less.
