The future of our workplaces will obviously be much different post-covid. Remote workers, hybrid workers, shared desks six-feet apart and either the excitement or dread of returning to the office awaits. As exciting as a new world of remote or hybrid working sounds, what will happen when you work harder than ever as a remote employee, only to watch your colleague who works in the office, get that promotion you wanted and deserved! Real or perceived, and probably sooner vs later, remote and hybrid workers are going to feel slighted, left out and passed over for plum assignments and promotions.
Depending on where you look, remote workers will be either better off than before, or in a much worse position. Forbes states that “remote workers are 40% more likely to have been promoted in the last year than their in-office peers.” Wired argues that “remote work is great until you want a promotion”, and goes on to say that companies will be unlikely to hire senior roles on a remote basis.
What do you think? Will remote workers get left behind or has the paradigm shifted forever?
Remote workers may indeed reassess their situation when witnessing their colleagues receive promotions. The dynamics of remote work can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection from the traditional office environment. As they observe others advancing in their careers, remote workers may naturally begin to question their own prospects and opportunities within the company. This phenomenon highlights the importance of maintaining open communication channels and ensuring that remote employees feel valued and included in decision-making processes. I often Check out how fostering a sense of belonging and providing clear paths for career progression can mitigate feelings of discontentment and boost morale among remote workers, ultimately contributing to a more engaged and productive workforce.