Fewer remote working women are returning to working from the office

Corporate America’s return to office (RTO) mandate isn’t one-size-fits-all. Surveys show more men are heading back to the office than women, and it’s creating a silent career divide.

According to new Labor Department data, 29% of employed men worked from home in 2024, down from 34% in 2023. But 36% of women still did, unchanged from the year before.

Why the difference?
Women often shoulder more family duties, like childcare and household chores. It makes many prefer remote work. But with increasing companies, including Amazon and Google, ordering strict RTO mandates, it is becoming difficult for female employees to cope.

Several women have lost their jobs due to being unable to adhere to RTO orders. Even if some have been able to work out a remote model, experts warn it limits face time, mentorship, and promotion potential.

Research shows women are less likely than men to ask questions remotely, and some execs admit they’re more likely to reward in-office staff. A KPMG survey found 86% of CEOs plan to favor those who show up in person.

Overall, remote work has brought more women into the labor force, but it also risks sidelining them in career progression, especially as companies tighten in-person expectations.