The Mounting Risk of Discrimination in the World of Hybrid Working

New research has revealed concerns over the treatment of staff in the world of hybrid work. Our recent Mind the Gap report found that only half (52%) of employers are confident that office-based and home-based employees will be treated evenly and fairly in the next 12 months, with development and progression opportunities causing the greatest concern.

Join our upcoming webinar as our experts explore the dangers of discrimination – so-called “proximity bias” – now that your workforce is dispersed. We’ll be focusing on the impact of hybrid work on the employer-employee relationship, plus sharing practical hints and tips to navigate these tricky waters whilst managing a large team, fairly.

24 November at 14:00

According to the Office for National Statistics, 1 in 6 employees are currently following a hybrid model. However, while many are seeing success, our research uncovered a clear lack of confidence around the equal treatment of home and office-based employees, across multiple areas. In particular, both employers and employees worry that hybrid working may impact training and development opportunities, in turn affecting pay and reward.

During this session, our HR and Employment Law specialists will discuss how you can ensure everyone has fair access to opportunities at work, how a hybrid working environment lends itself to redefining your pay and reward scheme, and how to measure performance in order to make effective pay decisions.

Led by Associate Solicitor Suzanne Wrench and HR Business Partner Hannah Copeland, this free one-hour discussion will cover:

The employer-employee relationship
- Is it under stress as a result of a hybrid working environment, and what can be done to resolve the situation?
- How to role model as a manager – listening and communicating effectively
- What does it mean to be a ‘fair’ employer? Practical hints and tips.
Opportunities for training, progression and promotion
- How can you ensure everyone has fair access to opportunities at work?
- What are the risks of failing to do so?
- Recognising and developing talent when employees are ‘out of sight and out of mind’.
Pay and reward
- Does a hybrid working environment lend itself to redefining pay and rewards?
- If so, how? And what are the downsides to doing so?
- Measuring performance in a hybrid working environment and making effective pay decisions.
Questions from the audience

There will be an opportunity to put questions to our experts during the session, so we invite you to think about any specific queries you may have ahead of time. This webinar is free to attend – to register, please complete the form opposite.

Register below

Our ‘Mind the Gap’ research has been conducted amongst thousands of employers and employees nationwide. It evidences the current divide between these two groups across a whole host of employment and HR matters. The good news is that the gap isn’t unbridgeable – but organisations must take heed of the current sentiment amongst employees and respond appropriately. Those who continue with business as usual will inevitably face mounting concern.

Key findings from this report:

Just 52% of employers and 40% of employees are confident that office-based and home-based employees will be treated evenly and fairly in the next 12 months.

Only 44% of business decision makers are confident that office-based and home-based employees will have equal progression and promotion prospects. Employees are even less assured at 37%.

Meanwhile 54% of employers are confident pay and reward will be fair and even; however, only 40% of employees share this optimism.

Meet the specialists

Suzanne Wrench
Associate Solicitor

Hannah Copeland
HR Business Partner

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Throughout the pandemic, our Employment Law and Health & Safety specialists have continued to produce free, practical guidance and templates for employers.

To access all these resources, plus be notified when new resources are added in relation to COVID-19, register for free now.

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