This year has brought about a lot of change, especially in workplaces. Remote working options have widely been seen as a positive change by employees and employers. However there are those who have bounced back into office life full time, and some who are operating with a blend of working from home and in the office. But what employers perhaps haven’t considered is how remote working might promote a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
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Promoting Diversity
From remote working employers have seen that productivity has remained high, and the perception that employees wouldn’t remain motivated at home has been quashed. Companies are also doing their hiring remotely via virtual interviews which is saving time and allowing for candidates from further afield to apply. Job searching for remote working opportunities is now a key part of a candidate’s thoughts when applying. A survey by job board, Zoek, found that 51% of candidates value the ability to work remotely.
Location Bias
So how does remote working help promote diversity? For one, it removes any location bias when hiring. Many companies who hire in areas that have a high cost of living will disqualify candidates who can’t afford to relocate. Without the need to commute at all, people can apply for jobs in the likes of London without need to uproot to an expensive city or spend thousands a year commuting in from afar.
Family vs Career
Another point to consider is single parents or working mothers. Many parents have to put their careers on hold to raise a child and suffer financially as a result. This is due to being unable to afford around the clock daycare for children in their preschool years. Mother’s especially can benefit from remote working as they can continue to focus on their career, whilst remaining at home to raise their child.
Accessibility for all
30% of workforces have one or more members of staff who live with a disability. Some of these can be incredibly limiting to career advancement. For some physically disabled people, travelling to an interview alone is a huge ask. Especially in big cities where the majority of high paying jobs are located.
Remote working options allow employers to recruit from a wider pool of candidates. Potentially finding someone who is better than other candidates, but would otherwise be unable to travel into the office. Even though employers are obliged by law to make ‘reasonable accommodations’ for employees who have a disability.
Some people also suffer from mental health problems such as anxiety or perhaps they just find social interactions uncomfortable. Either way, working at home gives them the chance to work in their safe space and get to know people at a distance before possibly meeting everyone face to face at a later date.
The benefits of an inclusive workforce
While there are obvious employee benefits, the secret to remote working opportunities is how they can also benefit the employer. Diverse and inclusive workforces have been proven to be 36% more likely to outperform competitors. This can be down to a wider range of thinking and ideas. Perhaps there is also an element of gratitude towards an employer who is willing to give them a chance, when many others did not.
If you can get everyone in the workplace working well together and operating via Microsoft Teams and Zoom etc. Then your business will surely see the benefits. The ability to work at home regardless of circumstances, sexual orientation, physical and mental barriers is one of the few positives to come out of the coronavirus pandemic.
But don’t be too quick to try and get back to normal. By continuing remote working you could open your business up to more talented, experienced and diverse candidates, and potentially increasing performance and profitability as a result.
