Word of the month: Equal opportunities
Women and other structurally disadvantaged groups—such as people with migration backgrounds, persons with disabilities, or employees in lower hierarchical positions—receive demonstrably less recognition when speaking up in professional settings.
This imbalance is also evident in digital work environments, which have gained importance since the COVID-19 pandemic. These environments can significantly hinder active participation and further exacerbate existing inequalities.
To actively address this issue, the new practice-oriented guideline Promoting Equal Opportunities in Online Meetings offers concrete recommendations on how virtual meetings can be held in a fairer and more participatory way. The recommendations are based on the findings of the AK-Digifonds study HearMeOut. It aims to specifically address structural disparities in recognition, promote participation as a shared responsibility, and transform digital meetings into spaces where contributions are made, heard, and taken seriously—regardless of gender or hierarchical position.
The guide is now available for download in both English and German. It is intended for organizations, managers, HR departments, and teams seeking to foster a meeting culture that promotes equal opportunities.
Laura Wiesböck
IHS Sociologist and author of the guide