This new study explains why working from home may hurt your future

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🗞️ Driving the news: A recent study by Deel, a global HR platform, has revealed a growing concern among remote workers in Europe, with one-third of employees fearing that physical distance from their managers is limiting their career advancement
• This trend underscores a shift where visibility, not performance, increasingly dictates promotion potential
• Despite the promises of remote work flexibility, employees working far from company headquarters or without regular in-person interactions may be sidelined for key opportunities

🔭 The context: The rise of remote work was initially lauded for providing talent flexibility, allowing companies to hire from a global pool
• However, this study highlights a significant gap between companies' policies and the reality on the ground
• Many workers, particularly those in caregiving roles or living in regions with lower housing costs, are increasingly finding that proximity to the office remains a deciding factor for career progression, despite remote work policies

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: This phenomenon raises concerns about inclusion and fairness, particularly for groups like caregivers, women, or first-generation professionals who are more likely to seek flexible, remote working conditions
• When proximity is prioritized, companies risk fostering inequitable workplace environments and excluding a portion of their talent pool
• Addressing this issue could enhance workforce diversity, supporting broader inclusion efforts and more equitable career advancement opportunities

⏭️ What's next: For companies to remain competitive and truly embrace remote work, leadership will need to shift from proximity-based evaluation systems to ones focused on performance and results
• This will require investing in leadership training and performance management tools that assess output over office presence
• Such changes are essential to retain top talent and foster a more inclusive, globally accessible workplace

💬 One quote: “Companies that get this right won’t just have happier employees. They’ll have a more sustainable talent strategy.” – Benjamin Laker, University Professor and Senior Contributor

📈 One stat: A third of workers in Europe, and even more in the UK, are worried that their career prospects are being hindered by physical distance from their workplace

See on illuminem's Data Hub™ the sustainability performance of Deel and its peers like Workday, SAP, and Oracle.

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