Building Bridges in Digital Spaces - Enhancing the sense of belonging among remote employees in a multinational company
Abstract
Purpose: This investigation aims to explore remote workers' experiences with remote working and
identify the factors and actions that can foster or hinder their sense of belonging while working remotely.
Theory: This investigation is grounded in the practical implications of social presence theory and the
need to belong perspectives. Social presence theory, in the context of remote work, explains how
communication tools can enhance or diminish workers' sense of presence. The need to belong perspective
underscores the human desire for stable interpersonal relationships.
Method: To gain comprehensive insights, this investigation employed semi-structured interviews as the
qualitative method, allowing for in-depth exploration of the experiences of remote workers.
Result: This thesis shows that remote work offers benefits like flexibility, productivity, and work-life
balance but also presents challenges such as isolation, collaboration difficulties, burnout, and lack of
community and equipment. Enhancing belonging involves positive organizational culture, inclusive
leadership, effective communication, shared values, and recognition. Video and voice calls are vital for
maintaining connections. Conversely, poor leadership, impersonal meetings, dominant conversations, and
negative traits like shyness and lack of initiative can diminish belonging.
Degree
Student essay
View/ Open
Date
2024-08-27Author
Nozari, Zahra
Seyedsalehi, Sogolsadat
Keywords
Remote working, Sense of belonging, Social presence theory
Language
eng