Post-Pandemic Remote Work and Gender Differences in Recognition
New research indicates that the shift to remote work impacts men and women differently, with men returning to in-person work at a higher rate than women.
Changing Work Environment
The pandemic has transformed traditional work patterns. Companies now embrace flexible work arrangements, moving away from the strict office clock-in routine.
Impact of Flexibility on Career Advancement
Phil Blair, CEO of Manpower San Diego, emphasizes that flexible hours and locations have become common as organizations aim to retain valuable employees.
“That's our business, is to churn people. So we see everything in the employment market, good and bad,” Blair said.
However, Blair highlights that informal in-office interactions, like “water-cooler conversations,” play a vital role in career growth.
“Where's your bump in the hall where you say, 'Let's go have lunch or join us?’ It's that human nature of knowing people and trusting them. So you have to be visible to do that. On the screen — Zoom or Teams, or whatever — it's not the same,” he noted.
Gender Differences in Returning to the Office
Data from a June 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics survey shows that more men are returning to in-person work compared to women, suggesting a divergence in the post-pandemic workplace experience between genders.
Summary
The post-pandemic rise in remote work offers flexibility but may unintentionally disadvantage women in career visibility and advancement due to less in-person presence.
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