Do Post-Pandemic Remote Work Trends Affect Recognition for Women?
New research shows that the shift to remote work is impacting men and women differently, with more men returning to in-person work than women.
Changing Work Habits Since the Pandemic
The pandemic transformed work routines, moving away from traditional office hours to flexible remote schedules. Many companies now accept flexible working arrangements to retain valuable employees.
Implications for Career Advancement
Phil Blair, CEO of Manpower San Diego, emphasizes the importance of in-office networking for career growth. He explains that informal interactions, such as “water-cooler conversations,” help build trust and visibility, which are harder to achieve through virtual meetings.
“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,” said Blair.
Return-to-Office Trends
According to a June 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, men are returning to office work at a higher rate than women, highlighting a gender disparity in workplace presence post-pandemic.
These trends suggest that remote work flexibility might unintentionally reduce visibility and recognition opportunities for women in the workforce.
“That's our business, is to churn people. So we see everything in the employment market, good and bad,” Blair said about monitoring employment trends.
Author's summary: The shift to remote work after the pandemic has led to fewer women returning to the office, potentially impacting their career visibility and advancement opportunities compared to men.