Remote Working Levels The Playing Field And Supports Diversity

Given the global pandemic, many people have been forced to work from home. Although there can be some disadvantages, most people are enjoying the experience. As a result, some are considering freelancing and working remotely with their clients. When they do, they may find there are unexpected benefits in working this way. This all stems from the fact that online meetings free you from some of the distractions that physical meetings can impose.

Remote Working Levels The Playing Field

When you meet someone in a physical setting, one of you owns or has set up the meeting location. In many subtle ways, this gives that person the advantage. They welcome the other person into the meeting place. They can more easily set the rules for the meeting. In some ways, they are working from the higher ground.

It is quite different when a remote worker is communicating with their client or boss via a video meeting. All of their interactions are through that video screen. They view each other in exactly the same way. Any potential hierarchy is difficult to maintain. This is particularly important in situations where a physical meeting would have confirmed the difference in status.

Meetings are usually much more productive between equals. This allows both sides to express what they are really thinking. There are no hidden pressures for one side to defer to the other. Such equal interactions can more easily occur in video meetings.

Remote Working Supports Diversity

The possibility of equal interactions allows and promotes the inclusion of more diverse participants. Here are just some of the differences that may be overcome or minimized by this factor:

Physical size
Gender differences
Ageism
Working with disabilities

You may not even have considered how some of these differences can stifle useful input from different sectors of the community. Incorporating such diversity will undoubtedly increase the creativity that can be applied to finding better solutions.

Physical Size

It hardly needs to be said that the most obvious difference that can influence how people interact is physical size. Who wants to take on some burly 6-footer who could look after themselves in a street fight? Intimidating is the word you are searching for. Some slightly built senior lady might well wonder about a face-to-face argument with such a gentleman. Meeting online is much less fearsome.

Gender Differences

Everyone understands that in most social situations men and women behave and react differently. It is often assumed and even expected that women will dress in typically feminine ways. They will be accommodating, polite and nurturing. On the other hand, men can be forceful and this will be seen as a positive characteristic. Given that video meetings are recorded, it might be expected that this will soften these behaviours.

Ageism

Both the old and the young may find their involvement is sometimes limited or overlooked. Or their contributions may not be valued as much as they should be. The natural discipline and courtesy that apply in video meetings will help considerably in fully displaying what they can offer.

Working With Disabilities

Those who work with disabilities are perhaps the most advantaged by the switch to remote working and video connections. They can set up a home office that allows them easily to participate in video meetings. In most cases, there will be technology available that allows them to minimize the problems of coping with their disability.

Remote Working Opens Up More Opportunities For More People

In the old physical workspace, some people may have felt there was no place for them. They felt there were hurdles they could not overcome. The remote workspace is quite a different kettle of fish. Anyone who felt they were at a disadvantage should reconsider. They may well have as much to offer as any other member of society.