Both in-house and remote operations have their places in the work environment, and many companies have opted to combine the two to create a hybrid workplace. While this too has made a world of difference for all kinds of businesses, others have found that it lacks the inclusivity that a modern workplace demands. Let’s take a look at the cause of this.
Hybrid Work Solves Problems While Creating Others
Hybrid work can be remarkably effective for most businesses, as it can improve the flexibility of the workplace that allows employees to be more productive with their time while balancing their work and life. Unfortunately, microaggressions can get in the way of these productive processes, and while you might avoid some by mitigating the in-person aspect of work, you open up the doors for others. Proximity bias can creep in; it’s the tendency for an employer or manager to show preference or favoritism simply because of physical location.
Let’s consider a hypothetical scenario. Let’s say your company implemented remote operations at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that some people are back to work, the office is a bit more lively. Meanwhile, some employees continue to work remotely. When it comes time for promotions, raises, benefits, or other professional rewards for hard work, management is more likely to consider those they see on a daily basis, thus leaving out remote or hybrid employees. Furthermore, remote work is often untrusted by work. After all, it’s harder to supervise who you can’t see.
Certain Groups Suffer More from This Lack of Inclusivity
There are certain trends in individuals returning to the office that also paint a disturbing picture. In general terms, those who are returning to the office are more likely to be executives, and they are also more likely to be knowledge workers who are male, white, non-parents. This means that there is not nearly as much diversity as there needs to be, and remote employees might also find themselves discriminated against on the basis of sex, gender, race, and disability. Furthermore, employees are choosing to work remotely to better manage their work responsibilities with their child care.
All of this combines to create a workplace that is not conducive to everyone’s success. These issues can be avoided through the use of collaborative technology solutions. These can be used to great effect to keep everyone in the workplace involved whether they are on-premise or off.
Lantek knows that the implementation of any new technology solutions can be challenging, but we don’t want it to hold your business back from making strides toward inclusivity. Get started by contacting us at (610) 683-6883 today.