The answer, of course, is complicated—especially when it comes to the issue of remote work. Some women appreciate the flexibility to accomplish household tasks that often fall to them and a respite from the workplace culture that often favors men, particularly in tech. Others object to the increased burden of housework and virtual schooling and feel ignored on virtual calls. 

Our Research and Insights team took a dive into some of the conflicting data. Here’s what they found:  

• Women are more likely to want to work from home—or at least to have the option. Sixty-five percent of women said having increased remote work policies will improve gender equality for women in the workplace. And 80% of women said remote-work options are among the most important factors to consider when evaluating a new job.

• Women working in tech say remote work has exacerbated gender-based harassment. One in four women in tech say they have faced higher rates of gender-based harassment since starting remote work due to the pandemic. This rate increased when race was taken into account. 

• Overall, women in tech, who are most likely to experience “bro culture,” are divided on whether or not remote work has helped or hurt them. Forty-two percent say it’s had a negative impact, 41% say the impact has been positive and 17% say there’s been no impact.

One thing is clear for employers. To keep women employees satisfied, flexibility in remote work policies will be the name of the game.