INVISIBLE TALENT: RECOGNITION AND PROMOTION BIAS IN THE HYBRID WORKPLACE
INVISIBLE TALENT: RECOGNITION AND PROMOTION BIAS IN THE HYBRID WORKPLACE

Author(s): Inbar Barzani
Subject(s): Politics / Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Economy
Published by: Editura Universităţii »Alexandru Ioan Cuza« din Iaşi
Keywords: hybrid work; recognition; promotion bias; generation z; workplace visibility;
Summary/Abstract: The growing adoption of hybrid and remote work models has reshaped how employees contribute to organizational success, yet recognition and promotion practices have not evolved at the same pace. This paper investigates how reliance on physical presence as a marker of commitment and value disproportionately affects Generation Z employees, who increasingly prioritize results, autonomy, and digital efficiency over traditional visibility. Based on a qualitative study involving 20 in-depth interviews with Generation X and Y managers and Generation Z employees, the research reveals a persistent presence-based bias in how performance and promotability are assessed. While many managers associate physical attendance with loyalty, initiative, and readiness for advancement, younger employees report frustration at being overlooked despite delivering high-impact outcomes through flexible work methods. These findings point to a growing disconnect between generational values in the workplace and outdated recognition frameworks. The study argues for a shift toward outcome-based, transparent, and inclusive recognition systems that reflect the realities of contemporary work environments. By exposing how traditional evaluation norms may unintentionally disadvantage a new generation of workers, this paper contributes to the ongoing dialogue about managing generational diversity in the digital age and ensuring that recognition systems are both equitable and future ready.

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