Nikita Gupta, co-founder and CTO of Symba. Awarded Forbes 30 under 30 in Enterprise Technology and SF Business Times 40 Under 40.
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Remote and hybrid work environments come with a myriad of benefits for both employers and employees. Employees enjoy the flexibility that comes with working from home, and many employers have found that remote work is more cost-effective as well due to reduced office maintenance costs. Research suggests that remote work saves an average of $10,600 per employee per year. However, for your teams to succeed in these environments, they need access to the right technology. This goes beyond just giving each team member a laptop—your organization will need to provide more personalized tech support options to address individual challenges.
Offering a comprehensive range of tech support options is the most effective way to facilitate equitable technology access across your organization. Customizing remote work setups for each team member levels the playing field and ensures that everyone has the resources they need to succeed at work.
Technology Challenges And Barriers To Access Among Remote And Hybrid Workers
Nowadays, companies are hiring remote employees who have access to broadband internet. However, according to Broadband Now, 42 million Americans still do not have access to fixed broadband internet. This is a particularly big challenge in many rural areas and tribal lands. The most recent research shows that 22.3% of Americans in rural areas and 27.7% of Americans in tribal lands do not have access to the Internet. Even in areas where broadband service is available, the associated monthly fees are still out of reach for many people.
Additionally, many jobs require specific types of technology, whether that be a complex computer setup, software subscription or an essential security program, which can be expensive and difficult to set up without assistance.
Working remotely also changes the way employees interact with each other and demonstrate their contributions. Networking and communication look completely different in a remote or hybrid setting than in an in-person office setting. In particular, caregivers often struggle to balance work and caregiving responsibilities and often face stereotypes in remote or hybrid work environments. 46% of caregivers of children report feeling like they have to be “always on,” and rates are even higher for caregivers of adults.
Neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities may also experience unique challenges when working remotely. For example, many neurodivergent employees benefit from the flexibility of remote work, but also struggle with time management and staying organized in a remote setting. Employees with disabilities may need extra support for remote meetings that they wouldn’t need for in-person meetings. However, remote work is also highly beneficial for many employees with disabilities as well. For example, remote meetings are often preferable for employees with limited mobility. Offering flexibility is key to making collaboration more equitable.
Tech Solutions For Remote And Hybrid Teams
There are a variety of tech solutions that organizations can implement to help employees succeed, regardless of where, when and how they work. Employees should be given every piece of technology they need to do their jobs effectively, including laptops, monitors and cell phones, as well as VPNs and other crucial security tools. A major challenge for many employees working from home is creating a comfortable workspace. This is particularly challenging when sharing a small space with family or roommates. One solution is a home office stipend for employees. The biggest benefit of providing a stipend is that employees can decide for themselves how to spend the money, whether it’s on a high-speed internet connection, new home office furniture or even a coworking space membership.
It’s also important to take an equitable approach when determining who has office access and who doesn’t. Some workers may need more office access than others for various reasons, whether it’s a lack of comfortable space at home or difficulty maintaining productivity in an isolated environment. Encourage your employees to communicate their needs and preferences when it comes to work environments.
Slack is an example of a high-profile organization that is prioritizing flexible work arrangements. CEO Stewart Butterfield has publicly described the company as “remote-first but not remote-only.” They encourage team members to take advantage of the resources and social interaction that offices provide but also provide the flexibility of remote work when necessary. Need more inspiration? Take a look at over 5,400 other organizations embracing the flex plan.
Executives also need to be thoughtful when determining who has access to desks, meeting rooms and other key spaces. Desk booking software programs like Robin or OfficeSpace are helpful tools that put the power in the employees’ hands, allowing them to book desks as needed. These tools allow users to block out desk space based on type of work—for example, an employee with frequent client meetings should always have access to private meeting room spaces. By leveraging this technology, you provide your team with both convenience and accessibility.
Business Benefits Of Equitable Technology Access
Implementing a strategy for equitable technology access may feel daunting at first—particularly for small businesses working with a limited budget. However, providing fair and comprehensive technology solutions for your team comes with a huge long-term payoff. Offering flexible technology solutions makes your company more accessible to employees from a variety of backgrounds with a range of unique and beneficial skill sets. Equitable technology access should be a key component of any long-term DEI strategy. Additionally, investing in equitable tech solutions now can have financial benefits for your organization. By investing in these solutions, you’re helping your team work more productively in a remote environment, which ultimately leads to more long-term success.
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