Addressing Proximity Bias is Key to Remote and Hybrid Work

Image credit: William Fortunato

Have you ever wondered why some employees get promoted faster than others, especially in a remote or hybrid work setting? The answer might be closer than you think, quite literally.

The Hidden Challenge of Proximity Bias

In a fascinating conversation with Bjorn Reynolds, the founder and CEO of Safeguard Global, we delved deep into the concept of proximity bias. Although not a new concept, proximity bias has garnered more attention as organizations grapple with the challenges of managing distributed teams. This type of bias manifests when leaders, perhaps unconsciously, show favoritism towards employees who are physically closer to them. This can lead to a detrimental impact on remote workers, who may feel marginalized or overlooked due to their lack of physical presence in the office.

The implications of proximity bias are far-reaching. Surveys conducted by organizations such as SHRM paint a concerning picture: an overwhelming two-thirds of supervisors acknowledge a differential treatment between remote and in-office employees. This disparity fosters a climate of alienation and inequity, particularly for those who work remotely. They may perceive a glass ceiling in their career advancement or feel excluded from critical communication and decision-making processes…