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.