All of work? All of life? Reconceptualizing work-life balance for the 21st century (PDF)

This article calls for a reconceptualization of work-life balance to take into account broader and more contemporary definitions of “work”
and “life” than traditional caregiving (life) and single-employer, in-person (work) situations. Broadening these categories and doing research
studies to include other aspects of life (e.g. hobbies, education, religion, culture) and work (e.g. gig and zero-contract employees, teleworkers,
self/family-employed) would allow HR administrators and organizations to align research with contemporary social/economic trends, focus on
positive impacts of work-life balance, align with organizational and governmental policies, and overall provide better work-life satisfaction for employees. 

(Aug. 2018, Human Resource Management Journal*)

*Note: Need to be signed in to Wiley Online Library with NetID to access the article online

• work-life balance
• situationist approach
• subjectivist approach
• flexible work
• remote work
• telework
• gig economy

Remote work and work-life balance: Lessons learned from the covid-19 pandemic and suggestions for HRD practitioner

This article examines how the desirable image of remote work has been challenged by the involuntary nature of working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors examine literature about remote work prior to the pandemic and review 40 empirical studies examining work-life balance during the pandemic. They use the person-environment fit theory to conclude that a fit between remote workers’ expectations and the remote work environment increases work-life balance and leads to positive professional and personal outcomes, and they recommend strategies that Human Resource professionals can use to support remote work and employee work-life balance.

(Mar. 2022, Human Resource Development International*)

*Note: Need to be signed in to Routledge/Taylor and Francis with NetID to access the article online

• remote work
• work-from-home
• telework
• work-life balance
• person-environment fit
• ethics of care

Flexible work is feminist - and women won’t return to a system that hasn’t served them well to spare the feelings of powerful men (PDF) 

Despite the push for more in-person work (largely by men), women and other underrepresented genders have greatly benefitted from remote work and have made strides toward gender equality in the workplace. For these groups, remote work contributes to less burnout and more career advancement, as well as a greater sense of belonging, psychological safety, and fewer microaggressions. To make remote work stay, companies need to reimagine the “ideal” worker as one who has responsibilities outside of work and invest in policies that promote gender equality and improve the workplace. 

(May 2023, Forbes)

• remote work
• flexible work
• hybrid work
• career advancement
• mommy track
• pink collar

Will Remote Work Undermine Diversity Efforts? (PDF)

Studies have shown that for people of color and women especially, remote work has been beneficial in terms of minimizing microaggressions, code-switching, and tending to family care. However, this article warns that companies need to be intentional about remote and hybrid work culture so that these groups do not get left out of promotion considerations due to “proximity bias” of those in the office. Remote/hybrid work can help companies meet DEI goals by diversifying applicant pools if location is not an issue. Managers can also be more intentional in supervising hybrid teams by getting training in and implementing workflows and norms so that no one gets left out and there is not a “two-tier” system of employees.   

(June 2022, Society for Human Resources Management)

• remote work
• hybrid work
• proximity bias
• microaggressions
• intentionality

What is proximity bias? (PDF)

This article talks about proximity bias, a tendency to favor the people we’re physically closer to, and its effects on hybrid work environments post-pandemic. The article explains the psychology behind proximity bias and gives examples in different contexts. Overall, it offers strategies to overcome proximity bias in order to create more equitable workplaces.

• proximity bias
• remote work
• hybrid work
• flexibility
• code switching
• digital-first systems
• equity

Best Practices for Using Pronouns in the Workplace

Pronouns are an important part of a person’s identity. Using pronouns can help with a feeling of inclusion and belonging for everyone. This resource can help one understand why and how to use pronouns as well as what to do when you misgender someone.

(April 2021 - ADP)

• pronouns
• inclusion
• ally ship
• communication
• mental health

Why Pronouns Matter

• pronouns
• inclusion
• ally ship
• communication
• mental health

General Principles for Reducing Bias (PDF)

This article provides four principles for reducing bias when talking about people and their personal characteristics.  It is supported by the inclusive language guide also from the American Psychological Association.

(July 2022 - American Psychological Association)

• inclusive language
• inclusion
• harmful language
• reducing bias
• implicit prejudice
• communication

Inclusive Language Guide - Second edition (PDF)

This is the American Psychological Association authored and curated language guide for writing, speaking, and educating.  It contains sections with explanations of terms related to inclusion as well as harmful language and contemporary alternatives to those harmful terms.

*Note this guide is long, but provides useful information on terms to avoid, why they should be avoided, and suggestions for alternative language.

(2023 - American Psychological Association)

• inclusive language
• harmful language
• communication
• microaggressions
• tactics
• glossary