Ambition and anxiety were both present when I initially started working. I frequently felt invisible as a queer woman of colour in a largely white, male-dominated industry. To avoid coming across as “too quiet” or “too passionate,” I practised my speech, rehearsed my speech, and scrutinized every word I spoke in meetings.
The epidemic then struck, and suddenly, things were different.
Like millions of others, I was thrown into remote work without realizing it would be the unanticipated spark that led to my professional voice being heard at last.
Boardroom Zoom Rooms Over
Hierarchy is frequently perceived but not always expressed in a regular office. For people who are already marginalized, physical indicators such as who sits where, who talks first, and who is interrupted can create obstacles. But those indicators become hazy in virtual environments. In a Zoom window, everyone’s face is the same size. Instead of being interrupted or ignored during a meeting, asynchronous communication methods like Slack, Teams, and Notion allow us to compose well-considered answers.
As the weeks went by, I became aware of something odd. More people were acknowledging my thoughts. My written recommendations received enthusiastic responses from colleagues. Sometimes for the first time in my career, I felt heard.
Digital Empowerment Equals Digital Tools
Something very personal was made possible by the move to remote work: safety.
I had more emotional energy because I didn’t have to control my facial reactions in a public setting. I could embrace aspects of my identity that I used to hide behind the office door, wear my hair naturally, and showcase my cultural decor in the background.
Digital platforms evolved into a tool for representation as well as productivity. I could highlight heritage months, post stories about diversity, or just speak up in ways that seemed genuine in Slack chats. I was finally presenting myself as my true self, not just getting through the workday.
Access, Adaptability, and the Influence of Limitations
Additionally, remote work provides autonomy—something marginalized workers sometimes lack. I could covertly handle long-term medical conditions. I oversaw my surroundings. Before, I had to deal with microaggressions daily, but now they are less frequent and simpler to handle online. I had control over my own story since I could switch off a camera or move away without fear of criticism.
This is not to suggest that working remotely is a panacea. Not everyone has a quiet or safe place to work from home, and disparities still exist. However, when implemented carefully, remote-first work environments have the potential to change workplace culture to be more inclusive in practice and theory.
Creating a Sense of Community in the Digital Era
I now feel more comfortable standing up for others and myself, both in person and online. I mentor new workers who might be treading the same tightrope I did, and I spearhead initiatives in my company’s DEI council.
Because of my remote work, had a platform digital environment allowed me to develop., and above all, they provided me with a voice.
My wish is straightforward: that we don’t simply go back to “normal” while firms continue to define the future of work. Let’s instead take this opportunity to start over, where inclusiveness is the cornerstone rather than a footnote.
Also read: How to Empower Employees with Disabilities in the Workplace
