Banish the bias: 3 tips for reducing proximity bias in the workplace

As hybrid work becomes more common, employers need to be careful to not favor of people who come into the office more regularly over those who may work mostly or entirely remotely. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as proximity bias.

“You will end up being a little more focused on people you are talking with and seeing in real life,” explained Anne DeAngelis, executive vice president of Employee Engagement at Strategy Zeno Group, during Ragan’s Internal Communications & Culture Next Practices Conference this past fall. DeAngelis first worked in a hybrid workplace more than 20 years ago, so she has experience in finding ways to make employees feel valued and included, even if they aren’t putting in as much face time at the office.