Effects of the proximity bias

The proximity bias is a mental shortcut that prioritises what feels the safest, even if it leads to faulty judgements.

• A 2015 study found that remote workers at a Chinese travel agency worked better than in-office employees but lost out on performance-based promotions.
• Leadership are more forgiving of poor performance of those in close proximity while not properly valuing the expertise of remote workers.
• Leaders may be inclined to hand an in-person employee an assignment rather than someone working from home.