Virtual work - where do we go from here? Setting a research agenda

Recognizing the significant contributions made throughout the handbook on Virtual Work, this chapter explores several of the significant research gaps and opportunities remaining that can continue to push forward the field of virtual work management and practice. This chapter first explores an abundance of open research questions regarding the wellbeing of virtual employees and the mental and occupational health challenges in virtual and remote working environments, as well as the potential ethical implications of such research. Next, this chapter illuminates outstanding issues regarding different lived experiences of different genders in virtual work settings, as well as highlights opportunities regarding intersectionality research. We then examine how our understanding of the knowledge, skills, and abilities that have previously been relevant may not translate to the New World of Work and suggest a variety of research paths moving forward. The next section continues the emphasis on modern working conditions by noting the importance of multi-team membership and considers a multitude of opportunities for future research. Following this, we explore the potential implications of organizational culture and norms may have on virtual working conditions and suggest a research agenda. We conclude by considering the future of work more broadly, and end by encouraging future researchers to continue to invest the time and energy to push the field forward.