Flexible working is not free…women are the first to pay the price

Since the Corona pandemic imposed working from home as a widespread option, the labor market has changed radically, and women have found themselves facing a complex equation that combines tempting flexibility with significant psychological and professional challenges. Does remote work enhance women’s presence and ability to organize, or limit their opportunities for advancement?

Flexibility gives time…and steals borders
Initially, working from home provided more space for time management, as Pew Research Center surveys showed that many women felt more able to balance work and family. However, this flexibility quickly turned into a burden for some of them, as the boundaries between professional and private life blurred and household tasks increased at the expense of productivity.

The price of professional isolation
Remote work reduces the daily friction that builds professional relationships and enhances belonging. According to a Harvard Business Review analysis, the lack of physical presence limits opportunities to demonstrate competence and “professional charisma,” making recognition less visible and affecting career path.

A gap between women and men
A study by the University of Sheffield and Durham University concluded that women working from home have more difficulty separating work and family than men, due to traditional role expectations. The study believes that remote work may be a real empowerment tool only if it is accompanied by a fair distribution of household tasks.

Relative protection from discrimination
On the other hand, the University of Toronto study showed a significant decline in the rates of discrimination against women working remotely compared to those working in-person, which indicates the role of place in curbing discriminatory behaviour, while structural barriers remain.

Confidence and advancement…the dilemma of appearance
Research by the American Psychological Association warns that poor social interaction may reduce self-confidence in some women. In the same context, McKinsey & Company reports indicate that the chances of promoting remote workers are declining, because many decisions are still based on daily attendance and participation.

Working from home is neither a magic solution nor an absolute burden. It is a multifaceted experience that gives women flexibility and organization, but it may impose isolation and challenges in emergence and advancement. Success here is less about place and more about building a fair environment that encourages clear appreciation, balances roles, and opens up equal paths—whether working from behind a screen or inside an office.