With advances in technology, remote workers can now do their jobs from anywhere in the world. This has led to the rise of the hybrid workplace, which includes both remote and in-office employees.
While remote workers have many benefits, they also come with some risks. One of these risks is proximity bias, a phenomenon that occurs when remote team members are ignored or dismissed and in-person employees are given preferential treatment. This can lead to communication problems and conflict within the team.
In order to avoid proximity bias, you need to be aware of what it is and how it manifests itself. You also need to take steps to ensure that all members of the team are treated equally and given equal opportunities to contribute.
Proximity bias is defined as the tendency of in-office employees to pay more attention to fellow in-office colleagues than remote workers. It is a result of unconscious biases that lead people to favor those who are physically present in the same office space.
This bias can be caused by a number of factors, including the ease with which remote workers can be ignored or dismissed, the tendency for remote workers to be seen as less important, and the lack of visibility remote workers have in meetings and other group settings.
Proximity bias is particularly harmful when it exists between managers and remote workers, as remote workers are more likely to be overlooked for career and development opportunities.
The effects of proximity bias can be damaging to a team’s morale, communication, and productivity. If remote workers feel like they are not being heard or valued, they may become disengaged from the team and their work. This can lead to decreased performance, increased turnover, and even conflict between remote and in-office employees.
It can be difficult to identify proximity bias in your workplace, as it is often an unconscious phenomenon. However, there are a few signs that can indicate that it is happening. Here are some questions that can help you determine whether unintentional preferential treatment exists within your hybrid team:
There are a few ways to prevent and address proximity bias.
Proximity bias is a real issue that remote teams need to be aware of and address. Mitigating proximity bias can be done by establishing remote-first practices, encouraging remote inclusion, setting remote work expectations, and creating an open dialogue between remote and in-office workers.
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