Understanding Proximity Bias and Its Impact on Workplace Culture
Proximity bias describes our unconscious tendency to prefer people or things that are closer to us in time and space. This bias can significantly impact workplace culture.
Proximity Bias in Action
One example: While some employees have already returned to the office after several Covid-Lockdowns, others are still working from home, making them feel further away from their team leaders. Proximity bias shows itself when team leaders assume that on-site employees are more productive simply because they can physically see them, while remote employees’ work is trusted only through their output.
Counteracting Proximity Bias: Three Simple Ideas
Inclusion Nudge: In virtual or hybrid meetings, start by asking for input from employees who are farthest from the office.
Knowledge Sharing: Ensure all decisions, action points, and open topics are integrated into a knowledge sharing tool at the close of the meeting, whether it’s virtual or in person.
Equalizing Visibility: During in-person meetings, have everyone log in to the call from their own computer, even those at headquarters, to equalize visibility for all.
Share Your Ideas on Proximity Bias
How do you handle proximity bias? Share your experiences with us on our LinkedIn channel.