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Research shows that in virtual spaces, people can make the needs of minority groups “invisible” without witnessing the impact of discrimination firsthand, thereby contributing to the prevalence of organizational discrimination.
We now work in an increasingly diverse workplace that includes people who speak different languages and work remotely across the world. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that everyone feels included and respected.
However, new research from Aalto University Business School finds that language-based discrimination is prevalent in both offices and remote work, but in different ways.
Language-based discrimination occurs when people are unfairly disadvantaged because of their written and spoken language. For example, excluding employees from conversations because they don’t share the same first language.
Researchers Hilla Back and Rebecca Piekkari examined immigrant professionals’ experiences of language-based discrimination in physical and virtual spaces. Findings show that when people work from home, language discrimination is primarily organizational and more subtle than when people work in an office.
Researchers explain that in virtual spaces, it’s easier to discriminate against other employees without getting caught. “In virtual spaces, they can ‘invisible’ the needs of minority groups without witnessing the impact of discrimination firsthand—which also contributes to the prevalence of organizational discrimination in virtual spaces,” Barker noted.
Research also shows that remote working accelerates the process of excluding immigrant professionals, as it is easier for employees to hold separate meetings and parallel virtual channels for informal conversations.
“Thus, in virtual spaces, immigrant professionals become more invisible to their colleagues, remaining in their English bubbles, out of sight and out of mind,” Barker added.
To solve this problem, researchers suggest Businesses should implement inclusive language policiesIt is characterized by a common language used by managers and employees in formal and informal settings, an increased tolerance for differences in proficiency, and a neutral vocabulary.
Other recommendations from the researchers include introducing social etiquette for remote working to ensure all employees understand what is socially acceptable behavior.
Also read: Words matter: How to use inclusive language in the workplace
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