Better diversity improves work culture and helps recruitment
LONDON, ENGLAND — Remote work has a seemingly never-ending list of benefits. From saving companies and employees money, to aiding recruitment and retention and even improving company culture and staff well-being. But its long list of positives has other indirect benefits too.
By improving workplace diversity, companies can also improve their brand reputation.
One of the benefits of remote work that is beginning to be reported on is its ability to dramatically improve diversity in the workforce.
Companies that have previously struggled to meet diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) targets — whether due to limited diverse candidates in their physical area of operation or other factors — have begun noting their improvements by switching to remote operations.
Remote work, after all, allows employers to hire from anywhere, giving them access to a wider pool of talent and thereby more easily construct a diverse team.
However, while this benefit is beginning to be widely researched, it has an unintended yet positive “side effect” that is seldom discussed — its impact on brand reputation.
This can in turn improve recruitment even further and boost employee morale, again helping to combat high turnover in a labour environment that has businesses reeling from repeated resignations and resultant staff shortages.
A diverse workplace is a popular workplace
Diversity and remote are a naturally winning combination, and an increasing number of studies are showing the hows and whys.
Companies that are known to be inclusive and have remote work policies have the biggest appeal among jobseekers and current employees.
Remote work has been proven to decrease the instances of toxic workplace behaviours like bullying, gossipping and more.
For people in minority groups, such as workers of colour or workers with disabilities, this can make the difference between quitting a toxic workplace altogether or being able to have a more enjoyable work experience.
Further, studies have shown that marginalised workers feel more confident when working remotely, as they do not have to bear their qualifications being questioned due to their appearance.
But alongside the positive impact for diversity comes a popularity among jobseekers.
A company that is known to have an inclusive policy that supports diversity already finds itself winning favour and preference among jobseekers and existing employees alike.
With the added bonus of a policy to offer remote work, which remains the most popular job perk of choice for UK workers, a company can multiply its brand reputation and appeal.
Especially in a competitive labour market, when recruiters and businesses constantly have to make more concessions to win over the best talent, a company’s reputation can be the decisive factor.
This is yet another reason why UK businesses looking to stay ahead of the game should seriously consider remote work options if they have not already done so.
Find the latest remote jobs in the UK via RemoteWorker.co.uk.
