Do Post-Pandemic Remote Work Trends Affect Recognition for Women?
The shift to remote work following the pandemic appears to impact men and women differently. Recent data shows that more men are returning to in-person work compared to women.
Changing Workplace Dynamics
The pandemic has transformed traditional office routines. Companies now embrace flexible work arrangements, moving away from the usual nine-to-five, in-office model.
"That's our business, is to churn people. So we see everything in the employment market, good and bad,” said Phil Blair, CEO of Manpower San Diego.
Blair emphasizes that while flexibility helps retain talented employees, face-to-face interaction remains crucial for career growth.
The Importance of In-Person Networking
Blair explained that informal office interactions—like hallway chats or lunch invites—build trust and visibility, which are harder to replicate on virtual platforms such as Zoom or Teams.
“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,” Blair said.
Return to the Office: Gender Differences
A June 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics survey highlights that men are more likely than women to return to the office post-pandemic, suggesting differing experiences or pressures related to work environments.
Summary
The growing trend of remote work affects workplace visibility and networking opportunities, possibly leading to less recognition for women who are returning to in-person work at lower rates.