On the surface, a hybrid work structure may appear to even the playing field. Workers can find the right situation for their lifestyles, while companies can select from a more broad, diverse, and talented work pool. Everyone wins, right? Not quite. With a hybrid work structure comes many challenges and this week we focus on a big one: bias. Learn how mishandling the transition to this approach threatens to reinforce inequalities, jeopardize DEI efforts, and worsen proximity bias—and learn ways to address these risks. This week in Fairwords Weekly, we learn how mishandling the transition to this approach threatens to reinforce inequalities, jeopardize DEI efforts, and worsen proximity bias—and learn ways to address these risks.
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Don’t Lose the Democratizing Effect of Remote Work

Employees are leaving workplaces that no longer suit their needs, with half of workers reporting they will not return to jobs that don’t offer remote work. The good news? 90% of large companies are embracing the hybrid model. The bad news? Mishandling the transition to hybrid work threatens to reinforce social inequalities and jeopardize companies’ DEI efforts. This article describes the risks inherent in mishandling the transition, highlights who is impacted, and offers suggestions for avoiding issues.

Hybrid Work: How ‘Proximity Bias’ Can Lead to Favouritism

Research shows that we look more favorably on people we see more often. This phenomenon is known as ‘proximity bias,’ which is an unconscious tendency to give preferential treatment to those in our immediate vicinity. Companies who are moving to a hybrid work model are grappling with how best to ensure workers physically present in the office don’t unfairly reap benefits due to their proximity to bosses and colleagues. While proximity bias has always been present, this new structure will make it worse than ever before. Learn what you can do to avoid proximity bias within your organization.

When Planning A Hybrid-Remote Office, Beware Of Repercussions

While it’s clear that the hybrid work approach is the way of the future, there are some very real challenges with serious repercussions that need to be taken into account from the start. Businesses must approach their post-pandemic workplaces with intentionality and purpose. Learn what the challenges of a hybrid work structure are and how to combat them.