Towards an Understanding of the Impacts of Hybrid Work Technologies on Racialized and Underrepresented People

Often promoted as a pillar of the Future of Work, hybrid work is a flexible workplace model combining both in-office and remote work; it is enabled by technologies such as the internet, video-conferencing, enterprise social media (ESM), collaboration platforms, as well as algorithmic management. Despite its growing prevalence, the benefits associated with hybrid work—such as improved work-life balance, more efficient time use, burnout mitigation, and higher productivity—may not be equally distributed. Emerging research suggests that hybrid models risk reinforcing workplace inequities, particularly for racialized and underrepresented workers. This research-in-progress paper theorizes the paradoxical effects of hybrid work technologies on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Drawing on socio-material theory, affordances, paradox theory, and critical perspectives, this paper develops a conceptual model and set of falsifiable research propositions. Research limitations, and scholarly and practical implications are discussed, as are the proposed next steps in this research project.