Framing remote work as anti-racist promotes solidarity among Asian Americans

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many organizations shifted to remote work. This shift in employment context occurred along with an increase in experiences of racism toward Asian Americans, as well as a continuation of racism toward other marginalized groups. In this research, we explore the relationship between remote work, discrimination, and intra-minority solidarity. In Study 1, Asian Americans who worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic reported fewer experiences of racial discrimination than those who worked in person. Study 2 demonstrated that both Asian and Black Americans who worked hybrid during the pandemic reported less interpersonal conflict and stress but more positive affect and control when they worked from home than when in the office. In Studies 3-5, we examined how Asian Americans make meaning out of these pandemic circumstances. In the studies, learning about discrimination experiences of Asian Americans during the pandemic promoted attitudes and policy preferences for reducing discrimination for all marginalized groups. We discuss the psychological implications of remote work and other equity-enhancing policy for intra-minority solidarity.