Digitization and Diversity – How Do They Fit Together?

Digitization has not only turned our private life upside down, but it has also permanently and structurally changed the world of work. All the digital tools available make it possible that, in many cases, we can do our work anytime and anywhere. A new level of flexibility seems to have been achieved, which can be seen, among other things, in the emergence of concepts such as ‘New Work’ and the now well-known home office. Due to the technical possibilities, digitization has therefore contributed to the creation of new and more flexible working models, which in turn provide more opportunities for diverse people to work together.

During digitization, a new talent pool has developed that ensures more diversity in the world of work. For example, people who were unable to work due to a handicap can return to work thanks to digital assistance systems. In addition, conference and video systems provide the framework for digital meetings in real time that can take place around the world. Meetings can be held much more efficiently and thus increase the influence of new perspectives and ideas.

On the other hand, there is the risk of new inequality: People with no or limited access to digital systems are threatened with the exclusion of work processes and meetings. To remedy this, identical technical prerequisites must be created when it comes to the availability of end devices and the associated infrastructure.

The pandemic acts like an accelerator on the concepts of ‘New Work’ and ‘Flexibility’ and thereby promotes diversity in the economy. Due to the great popularity that enjoys the flexible working models, it can be assumed that even after the pandemic, many employees will at least partially swap the office for the home office. For this reason, the pandemic-induced development of flexible working models should be viewed less as a temporary trend and more as a long-term restructuring.

There are both opportunities and risks in the remote work. For example, the sudden switch to working from home has torn numerous women from everyday office life and suddenly catapulted them into the home environment – a step backwards in terms of gender diversity and equality?

It may be that traditional gender roles were resumed or strengthened for a short time by working in one’s own four walls, but the more digitization advances and new forms of participation in work emerge, the less outdated role stereotypes are likely to be of relevance. In any case, it becomes clear that against this background there is still a need for action to overcome stereotypes of roles. Contemporary models must be established that create new ways of combining home office and private life – for everyone.