“Embracing West Coast Remote Talent and Overcoming Organizational Bias”
I have been working with several recruiters over the past year looking for either projects or positions that would complement my talent. The greatest challenge that I have, as told to by others, was my location. I am currently located on the West Coast. This reasoning was concerning and not based on fact, because since 2016 I have exclusively worked east coast hours while living in California. I told her today that I was relocating and she was so excited because she could present me with so many more opportunities because of this move. To be clear - these are remote positions based in the east cast. This left me puzzled and quite a bit frustrated, so I had to understand why this was so. Here is my take. I hope you enjoy it and maybe some organizations will reconsider their hiring practices.
Introductory
As the world of work continues to evolve, remote employment has become a vital component, offering unparalleled flexibility and access to a diverse talent pool. However, for those residing on the West Coast, the allure of remote work sometimes collides with organizational biases tied to time zone differences and collaboration hurdles. Overcoming these biases demands a joint effort from both organizations and individuals. Let's dive into how we can collectively work towards a more inclusive and seamless remote work environment.
For Organizations:
Embrace a Remote-First Culture
Transitioning to a remote-first culture is pivotal. This involves redesigning policies and practices to ensure remote employees are given equal consideration in all aspects of work, ranging from communication strategies to career advancement opportunities.
Standardize Communication Tools and Practices
The backbone of effective remote work lies in powerful communication tools and clear guidelines on their proper usage. Organizations should invest in training teams to leverage these tools, fostering seamless collaboration across different locations.
Encourage Flexible Work Hours
Flexibility in work hours can significantly mitigate the challenges of time zone differences. By establishing core hours that overlap for all team members, companies can ensure collaborative work without unintentionally marginalizing those in distant time zones.
Promote Inclusive Scheduling
Mindful meeting scheduling that rotates inconvenient times guarantees that no single group is continuously burdened with early morning or late-night calls, fostering a sense of fairness and inclusivity.
Offer Comprehensive Training and Support
Equip managers and employees with the necessary skills for remote work success. This includes mastering the art of managing distributed teams, enhancing virtual communication, and effectively utilizing technology.
Promote Visibility and Inclusion
Ensure remote employees have equal access to information and are involved in decision-making processes. Regular inclusion in both formal meetings and informal social events is key to fostering a sense of belonging for all team members.
For Teams:
Nurture a Culture of Trust
Placing emphasis on outcomes and results rather than solely focusing on hours worked creates an environment rooted in trust. Teams should encourage open communication and regular check-ins to maintain alignment and cohesion.
Embrace Asynchronous Communication
Adopting asynchronous communication methods allows for information sharing without necessitating simultaneous online presence, respecting individual schedules and work preferences.
Celebrate the Power of Diversity
Recognize and acknowledge geographical diversity's benefits, such as extended coverage hours and a rich blend of perspectives. This understanding enriches team culture and fuels innovation.
For Individuals:
Communicate Proactively
Proactively share your availability, schedule, and preferred communication methods to proactively mitigate misunderstandings and ensure that you remain an integral part of the team.
Manage Your Visibility
Actively participate in discussions and team events, even in virtual settings, to maintain your presence and ensure your contributions are recognized.
Seek Support
In facing challenges, don't hesitate to communicate them to your manager or HR department. Together, you can work towards finding solutions that respect your needs while simultaneously enhancing team integration.
Conclusion:
Overcoming biases against West Coast remote talent calls for a multi-faceted approach requiring adjustments from organizations, teams, and individuals. By fostering a culture that values flexibility, inclusivity, and open communication, we can bridge the geographical divide and unlock the full potential of remote work for everyone, regardless of their virtual location. Let's create a work environment that fully embraces diversity and cultivates collaboration across time zones.
