The often unstable workforce in remote areas can possibly be strengthened by stabilizing adjacent human settlements with community design which works from the inside out to emphasize the human, social, cultural, and environmental aspects of the settlements. Because stresses resulting from isolation, loss of social relationships, lack of stimulation, and harsh environment can be offset by high levels of human response, remote communities should reinforce the individual's sense of being by emphasizing his memberships in various social groups. Communities should reflect the fact that they are for people. They should be designed for families and should promote emotional stability. Housing should be flexible to allow for individuality. Transportation and services should be carefully handled. Current and future opportunities for indigenous peoples should be considered as should possibilities for early diversification. These and other criteria have implications for employers who can help control labor turnover in remote areas by reducing the shift work that is so damaging to families, reversing their approach to recruitment, adjusting the under-30 sex ratio, and "freight-equalizing" FM entertainment and communications. An appendix contains a status report on the American family. (SB)