How Remote and Hybrid Work Helps More Women Join and Stay in the Workforce

As we celebrate Women's History Month, we reflect on the remarkable progress women have made in the workforce and the ongoing journey towards greater workplace equality. Over the years, women have shattered glass ceilings, conquered previously male-dominated industries, and demonstrated their exceptional skills and leadership abilities.

As we pause to reflect on the success of working women today, we also recognize the crucial factors that contribute to their success in the workplace. Among these, hybrid and remote working options have emerged as one of the most vital elements. According to a recent survey by the International Women's Group (IWG) in 2023, a staggering 72% of women would consider seeking alternative employment if the option to work in a hybrid environment was eliminated. Despite this significant number, disparities in remote work still exist, with 38% of men currently working remotely, next to 30% of women.

Why is it so essential that women have the option to work in a hybrid or remote setup? The availability of remote/hybrid options empowers women to actively engage in the workplace while managing their caregiving responsibilities. A hybrid or remote working model proves to be a better fit for women, enabling them to enhance their daily work output, prioritize familial obligations, and feel that they are working within a more equitable workplace environment.

Focusing on a rigid 9-5, on-site working model may inadvertently prevent women from accessing opportunities that require the flexibility these models provide. By embracing alternative work structures, organizations can offer greater support to women, fostering their success and thus, driving the success of the entire organization. Read on to discover the ways in which remote and hybrid work helps more women join and stay in the workforce.

Leveling out the Playing Field

Women’s History Month is a great time for reflecting on the strides women have made in the workforce over the past century—but it’s nowhere near perfect. Still today, gender biases persist in the workplace and women continue to feel the weight of those pressures. Offering remote and hybrid options reduces biases that still exist in traditional office settings, and allows women the chance to be measured by results and key performance indicators (KPIs), rather than physical presence. By breaking down traditional barriers, remote work fosters an environment that may facilitate better diversity and inclusion. While in-person connection has its merits, virtual collaboration ensures that all team members can participate in meetings and projects, regardless of their physical location, appearance, or presence.

Reduced Commuting Burden and More Flexibility

Commuting presents a significant hurdle for many working women, especially those who also juggle family responsibilities. Daily commutes between work, school drop-offs, after-school activities, and managing unexpected family matters can expend a great deal of time and energy for caregivers. According to a study by EIGE, 93% of working women have the dual strain of unpaid house chores, compared to 53% of men. More often than not, these demands can detract from a person's ability to fully focus and perform on work responsibilities. For working women, having the flexibility of remote or hybrid options can be a huge game-changer, even having the power to influence their decision-making when it comes to accepting a job offer.

These alternative work models not only ease the challenges of balancing work and personal commitments but also enhance overall well-being, reducing stress and improving work-life balance. By alleviating schedule and commuting burdens, organizations empower their female employees to better manage their time and energy, leading to greater job satisfaction, and ultimately, increased productivity levels in the long term.

Retention and Well-Being

Offering remote and hybrid work alternatives sends a clear message to your employees that you care about their overall well-being, both in and out of the workplace. This kind of commitment to work-life balance can have a significant impact on employee retention rates, particularly for women, who often prioritize these conditions. By providing flexibility, women can advance in their careers without having to sacrifice family life or face the difficult choice between their personal and professional goals.

Companies that choose not to implement these kinds of structures may find it challenging to attract and retain talented women employees and leaders, which could have negative implications for the organization's ability to tap into unique and exceptional talent. By now, companies should start to recognize the importance of creating an inclusive and supportive work environment that allows women to thrive both personally and professionally. By doing so, they not only retain their top female talent but also position themselves as forward-thinking organizations that value diversity, inclusion, and the unique perspectives that women bring to the table.

Remote working models provide women with the autonomy and flexibility they need to choose the right time and place to get their work done, enabling them to achieve greater career success and increase their efficiency and productivity. By catering to the needs of current and future generations of working women, we can help establish a future where women feel empowered to enter and remain in the workforce.

Make the future of work, work for everyone

LHH helps individuals, teams, and organizations find and prepare for what's next in the world of work. We empower organizations to expand their capabilities and workers to build brighter futures. Let’s work together to make the future work for everyone.