The coronavirus pandemic and the sudden shift to remote work complicates what was already a major challenge for HR: cultivating and managing an inclusive workplace.
“An inclusive work environment doesn’t just happen, it requires sustained effort,” said Diana Ellsworth, a partner at McKinsey & Company based in Atlanta. “Stresses from COVID-19 and extended isolation are driving a range of negative emotions in employees, [and] … during times of crisis, the focus on inclusion becomes ever more critical.”