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Hello! Thanks for taking the time to watch this video of my talk. It's called "Achieving Inclusivity Through Remote Work," and it's part of RailsConf Couch 2020. Thank you for inviting me into your living room; it's very cozy! I hope you're sitting on a comfy couch wearing your coziest pajamas while watching this video. I am wearing my pajamas as I record this for you.
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Let me briefly introduce myself. My name is Jameson Hampton, but you can call me Jamie. I'm from Buffalo, New York, the home of bad sports. I usually start my talks with that joke, but right now, there are no sports, so I suppose we’re all tied at the moment. I'm currently in quarantine, but I'm doing reasonably well.
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I'm representing Greater Than Code, which is the podcast that I'm a panelist on. If you haven't checked it out, I recommend you do! It's a really good show where we discuss tech through the lens of the people behind it and their stories that led them to that point. I'm not representing a company right now, and job-hunting during the pandemic isn't exactly enjoyable. So if you're hiring and might be interested in a Rails developer or a DevRel person, please reach out to me. You can find me on Twitter at @jameybash.
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Even if you’re not hiring, feel free to connect with me on Twitter, add me as a friend, and send me memes. I'm at home and bored! The only thing I ask is that if you mention me or my talk publicly, which you're welcome to do, please keep in mind that I use they/them pronouns. Thank you!
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I’m going to talk about remote work, a topic that's quite topical right now. I want to start with some statistics from the Stack Overflow Developer Survey in 2019, which asked people how often they work remotely. As you can see, a significant percentage did not work remotely at all. However, I would be curious to see the statistics for 2020 as I'm sure they will look much different, considering that almost everyone is now working remotely all of a sudden.
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In 2019, about 12% of people reported being full-time remote tech workers. Furthermore, in the 2017 Stack Overflow survey, 53% of respondents indicated that remote options were a top priority when looking for a new job. Clearly, remote work is important to many people.
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Personally, I have been working remotely for 80 to 100 percent of my career for about seven years. When I talk to people about this, the conversations usually go something like this. I’ve had these discussions multiple times, and I know many others in remote work, which has given me insight into their experiences. However, I find that some responses can annoy full-time remote workers, as people unfamiliar with remote work often have misconceptions about it.
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Sometimes, they perceive remote work as an easy situation, when in fact it can be challenging just like any real job. You still have to accomplish your tasks, and I often feel more guilty about taking breaks while working from home than when I’m in an office. In an office, casual conversations happen naturally, providing a sense of connection, while remote work can be isolating. An article from The Oatmeal humorously highlights the pros and cons of remote work, and one point resonates with me: after working from home for an extended period, you might not even leave your house.
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Ultimately, my response to inquiries about remote work is usually quite positive: it's awesome! I genuinely wish more people had the opportunity to work remotely. However, I have to admit that my perspective about everyone having the chance to work remotely isn’t quite the situation I envisioned. Nonetheless, I truly enjoy remote work; it helps me do my best work, and many others feel similarly.
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Let’s explore the general benefits of remote work for everyone. You will find many of these benefits in articles about remote work, and flexibility is a major advantage for many people. Remote jobs often allow for flexible hours, making it easier to accommodate personal responsibilities, like picking up kids from daycare.
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Another significant advantage is eliminating the commute, which can be a major perk, particularly for those with long commutes. For me in Buffalo, the lack of public transportation and the challenging weather conditions make this aspect especially appealing. Plus, the freedom to work from anywhere allows for flexibility in traveling during work. I often visit family in Texas, and instead of taking time off, I can work during the day and spend time with family in the evenings.
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Productivity can vary by individual when working remotely. Some people may struggle with distractions, such as household chores, while others find they are more productive at home. However, ongoing global circumstances have made productivity a challenge for many. Generally, many people appreciate the increased focus and comfort they have when working from a personal space, which can lead to better performance.
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It's important to consider that the term 'benefits' can be interpreted in different ways. For some, benefits are simply perks that make life a little easier. But for others, remote work arrangements are essential to overcoming challenges that make traditional work difficult.
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When thinking about the benefits of remote work, it is critical to consider the potential barriers that individuals face and how remote work can address these barriers. With this in mind, let’s discuss diversity and inclusion. The value of benefits will vary between people, and this variance can also fluctuate between different demographic groups.
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Why strive for a diverse team? Ultimately, it's the right thing to do. Not only is it unjust to overlook someone for a job because they are different from you, but having various perspectives strengthens your team. For example, diverse teams are better equipped to anticipate problems and needs across a range of users.
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I often reference a story about early automated hand dryers. The design team did not consider how it would function for people with darker skin tones and consequently produced a sub-par product for that demographic. This oversight highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in the development process.
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Companies also need to focus on hiring for a diverse team, avoiding the tendency to look for candidates who fit a specific cultural mold. When teams become homogenous, they not only risk missing out on unique talents but also hinder their ability to develop better products and solutions.
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Diversity and inclusion are two separate concepts. Diversity is having a mix of people with different backgrounds, while inclusion is about integrating those individuals into the team so they feel welcomed and valued. It's crucial to ensure that efforts to increase diversity do not unintentionally alienate members of underrepresented groups.
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Promoting inclusion will help retain talent and attract even more diverse candidates. People in underrepresented groups tend to talk to each other and share information about which companies are good for them, so fostering an inclusive environment is essential.
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I want to touch on different demographics, starting with chronic illness and disability. There are numerous forms of chronic illness and disability, each with unique symptoms and challenges. I speak from personal experience regarding anxiety disorder, which significantly affects my work.
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For many people with disabilities, working from home allows for the necessary accommodations not otherwise available in traditional office settings. Flexibility in working hours is beneficial for people with chronic illnesses; it enables them to manage their health effectively. For example, if I have a panic attack, I might need a couple of hours to recover before I can start working.
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Energy conservation is vital for those with chronic illnesses. Utilizing the concept of 'spoon theory,' which describes how energy resembles finite resources, people with chronic conditions must carefully manage their energy each day. Starting work without the burden of commuting can help maximize the energy they have to accomplish tasks.
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People dealing with chronic illnesses often want to keep their challenges private, and remote work offers that opportunity. For instance, when I experience a panic attack, it’s less humiliating to handle it from the comfort of my own space rather than in a public setting.
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In addition to discussing chronic illnesses, I want to address the experiences of underrepresented minorities in the workplace. Those who belong to minority groups may encounter energy conservation challenges related to feeling different from the majority culture. Similar to those with chronic illness, these individuals often expend extra energy in navigating cultural expectations or microaggressions.
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Working in an environment where one feels like an outsider can be exhausting. For example, someone may feel disconnected when they are the only person of their ethnicity in a workplace. However, when working in a fully remote environment with diverse coworkers, these feelings can decrease as the variety of backgrounds becomes normal.
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Access to resources can also be challenging for those from underprivileged backgrounds. It can be financially taxing to work in traditional job settings, for instance, the expenses associated with business attire or daily lunches can feel overwhelming. Additionally, transportation can be a stressor for certain individuals.
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Location-based diversity is another important aspect to consider. Many talented individuals may live outside of major cities where tech jobs flourish, often due to financial constraints, family obligations, or cultural ties to their communities. Emphasizing remote work allows companies to tap into this talent pool.
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I want to specifically highlight the transgender community. The number of trans individuals in tech is increasing, making it more likely that you will eventually work with a trans colleague. Understanding their experiences will foster a better work environment.
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Remote work can be particularly appealing for transgender individuals as they navigate the complexities of transitioning. Transitioning involves significant life changes, one of which is often the need to acquire a new wardrobe. Additionally, trans individuals face anxiety in social situations, such as using public restrooms.
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In many cases, having the option to work remotely allows trans individuals to handle such stresses in a more private and comfortable setting. Additionally, they can maintain more control over their appearances and environments.
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Keeping one's transition private can be incredibly valuable, allowing individuals to reveal their new identity at their own pace. It's also easier for coworkers to get the name and pronouns right through text communication rather than face-to-face interactions, as the latter often leads to mistakes.
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It's also worth noting that many trans people undergo surgeries, and remote work can facilitate the recovery process, providing them the opportunity to remain productive while also reducing stress during recovery.
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While there are numerous benefits to remote work, there are also significant challenges that have emerged from this adjustment. Since many companies are offering tips for efficient remote work, it has become essential to discuss the mindset needed for successful remote working. It's a skill that requires practice.
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A healthy remote work environment does not happen naturally; it must be cultivated intentionally. One of the most important aspects is communication, particularly in a text-based format, which many remote workers heavily rely on.
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Text communication allows individuals to revisit messages, which is helpful for those with anxiety or memory lapses. It offers more time to process and respond appropriately to questions, reducing pressure during interactions.
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However, there are drawbacks to text-based communication, such as difficulty conveying tone, which can lead to misunderstandings. It's crucial to establish clear expectations and communicate explicitly to alleviate any misunderstandings.
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In conclusion, cultivating a remote-first culture can enhance inclusivity for all team members. It's important to prioritize the needs of remote employees, ensuring they feel integrated and valued in discussions. If you observe a conversation excluding a remote team member, speak up and ensure everyone is included.
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Lastly, it’s important to avoid microaggressions, such as commenting on someone’s appearance or making assumptions about their well-being. Creating an environment of respect and understanding can greatly benefit underrepresented individuals in the workplace.
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Be mindful of the importance of using correct names and pronouns consistently. It’s essential to avoid mentioning individuals’ physical appearances or making comments that could make them uncomfortable. Instead, respect everyone's individual circumstances.
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As we navigate remote work during the current global crisis, I want to extend a warm welcome to those who are new to this arrangement. To those facing challenges, please know you are not alone and we are here to help each other improve.
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Despite the challenges presented by remote work due to the pandemic, I hope this situation opens new doors for discussions about how remote work can support various individuals. I believe integrating remote work into our future will create lasting benefits for everyone involved.
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I’d like to recommend a few additional resources. Understanding Spoon Theory and Preventing Burnout is one of my talks from RailsConf 2017; I covered personal experiences and insights in that session.
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Another recommended talk is "Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Remote" by Marla Sison, presented at RailsConf 2019. Additionally, 'Trans 101 for the Cis Ally' offered by Julian Fitzpatrick in 2019 is an informative session on how to be a supportive coworker.
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I want to express my gratitude for your time and attention to this talk. Even while apart, it connects me to the Rails community as we navigate these uncertain times together. You can find me on Twitter @jameybash, and Jamie.com is my website.
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In conclusion, I request that if you found this talk helpful, share your thoughts with me. Feedback from the community is invaluable, especially during times when face-to-face communication is limited. Stay safe, stay healthy, and I look forward to connecting again soon!