Demand for flexible work arrangements is steadily increasing. However, we posit that people working remotely are negatively stereotyped as having a lower need for relatedness—the desire to connect with, and care for, other people. In Studies 1 and 2, which draw on both qualitative and quantitative data, we find that remote workers are viewed as less oriented toward relatedness needs. Study 3 reveals that this view is unfounded: remote and nonremote workers do not differ as much in their relatedness needs as others assume. In Study 4, we demonstrate that this bias strengthens when people choose to work remotely because opting into a remote position represents a weak signal of relatedness needs. We conclude by highlighting a downstream consequence of this bias: remote workers are seen as less motivated by praise—but not by monetary rewards—because they are seen as less desirous of caring and concern from others.
