Navigating Career Growth: The Hidden Risks of Remote Work for Women

In a recent discussion on BBC R4’s Today programme, Nationwide’s Chief Executive Debbie Crosbie shed light on the challenges women may encounter in their careers due to remote working arrangements. Crosbie emphasized the importance of a “physical presence” in the workplace for career advancement, addressing concerns that women are less likely than men to return to the office following the pandemic. This shift in strategy comes after the company transitioned away from a fully remote work model introduced under former CEO Joe Garner.

Last December, Nationwide implemented a hybrid work policy, requiring most of its 13,000 non-branch staff to return to the office at least two days a week. While this decision garnered criticism from employees who had adapted their lifestyles for remote working, Crosbie believes that returning to the office facilitates better collaboration and professional development. She noted that observing senior leaders in action is critical for nurturing talent and building skills, recalling her own experiences with female mentors shaping her career.

Crosbie highlighted research indicating that women report more blurred boundaries between work and family life, suggesting that flexible working conditions can benefit their work-life balance if properly supported. Nevertheless, she cautioned against unintentionally disadvantaging women by not providing sufficient opportunities to engage with leadership in person.

The dialogue reflects an ongoing debate about work flexibility versus career visibility, challenging organizations to create environments that prioritize both flexibility for family needs and ensure equal professional development opportunities for women.