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Equal Access
Inclusion and diversity have long been vital components in businesses' people practices. However, with the hybrid model, a new set of concerns have emerged. Some fear that remote employees won't feel included, may miss out on opportunities and networking, and will face more challenges communicating than their peers who report to the office. What digital tools can help ensure staff are awarded equal opportunity in the hybrid world?
According to a report by The National Remote Working Survey, by mid-2020, Ireland had one of the highest rates of work from home in Europe, with over 40%. By comparison the EU average was 33.7%. The working from home experiment has been a surprising success, however that does not mean that our hybrid future will be plain sailing. The hybrid model is, in many ways, the hardest one to achieve and can lead to a two-tier workforce: it’s easier to have a team of 20 all being remote rather than 15 people in a room and five remote. With everyone on an equal footing it’s relatively easy.
In-office workers may accidentally neglect to share relevant information with staff working remotely. Serendipitous conversations around the office and after work socialising can be a vital component in professional development. It is easy to grab a drink with a colleague when working together in an office, harder and less likely when you’re at home.
While 56% say that employees at their organisation have the necessary technology to work from home, one in three of our respondents are concerned that all team members - whether remote or in office - have fair and equal access to meetings, networking, opportunities, promotions, input, and engagement. Digital exhaustion and mental health are also concerns.
