How to use dotted-line managers

Dotted-line managers help companies support matrix or project-based reporting structures by assigning secondary managers to team members.

Adding a dotted-line manager lets you display reporting relationships across Remote features such as the Org chart and Reports.

What can a dotted-line manager do?

A dotted-line manager can view information about their assigned team members based on the permissions and data scope your company assigns to them. They don’t replace the primary manager.

The primary manager remains responsible for:

• Approvals
• Salary and contract amendments
• Standard manager workflows

ℹ️ Dotted-line managers don’t automatically receive access to sensitive information like salary data.

How to add a dotted-line manager

Company admins with Owner, Super Admin, or custom roles with Team or Team (restricted) permissions can create or manage dotted-line managers.

1. Sign in to Remote.
2. Go to People and open the team member’s profile.
3. In the Managers section, select Add dotted-line manager.
4. Select the manager.
5. Choose the appropriate role and data scope, if prompted.
6. Select Save.

How to edit or remove a dotted-line manager

1. Open the team member’s profile.
2. In the Managers section, select Edit ✏️
3. Update the manager relationship or select the remove (×) option.
4. Select Save.

How to enable dotted-line managers in the org chart

To view dotted-line relationships in the org chart:

1. Open the Org chart.
2. Turn on Show dotted-manager lines.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Why can’t a dotted-line manager approve requests?

Dotted-line managers don’t receive approval responsibilities by default. The primary manager remains responsible for approvals unless your company creates separate workflows.

Why can’t a dotted-line manager view employee profiles?

Access depends on the role and data scope assigned to the dotted-line manager. Ask your company admin to review their permissions if access is missing.

Does a dotted-line manager get access to salary information?

No, not by default. Access to sensitive information depends on the permissions included in the assigned role.

Can I assign dotted-line managers in bulk?

Not yet. This feature isn’t available at the moment.