It's well known among those who have managed telecommuters that strong employees become even more productive, while already weak ones become even worse.

Even better, start with jobs for which it's hard to tell if employees are doing anything useful or not -- jobs that aren't defined in terms of just a few, clearly identified work products.

At the end of the trial period, it will be clear the telecommuters failed to pull their weight.

7. Hold lots of meetings where several remote employees participate by teleconference

In-person meeting participants use body language to let everyone know they'd like some air time. Teleconferencing participants have to find a gap in the action and then barge in. It's hard enough when there's just one of them. Have several on the line and they'll give up.