Virtual Work and the Inclusion of Linguistic Minorities: A Double-Edged Sword

Abstract

Information technology has been shown to support organizations' diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. However, the role of language as a dimension of diversity has often been overlooked, especially for highly-skilled migrants joining organizations in non-Anglophone countries where English serves as the corporate language. Through 25 interviews at the Finnish branch of an international professional service firm, we investigate how these individuals navigate language barriers in both physical and virtual workspaces, with particular focus on coping strategies to language barriers after the COVID-induced transition to full virtual work. We find a dual effect of virtual work on inclusion: while linguistic minorities may reduce their short-term emotional strain in virtual settings, they may also increasingly detach from the majority group in the long run. These findings challenge the prevailing assumption that technology universally overcomes hidden barriers, emphasizing the necessity for tailored DEI-initiatives that consider the individual needs of different minority groups.