The Brian Lehrer Show Does Remote Work Hold Women Back?
Jul 21, 2025
Te-Ping Chen, a Wall Street Journal reporter specializing in work culture, illuminates the challenges women face in remote work. She reveals that many women prefer working from home, but this can hinder their career growth. The conversation highlights the impact of family responsibilities on professional advancement and the systemic obstacles working mothers encounter. Personal stories underscore the need for equitable workplace policies, while exploring the balance between flexible work arrangements and the demands of corporate culture.
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Persistent Gender Gap in Remote Work
- Women work remotely at higher rates than men, holding steady at about 36% versus men at 29%.
- This persistent gender gap in returning to office work is a significant trend in the American workforce.
Remote Work Reflects Gender Roles
- Women working from home may reflect both preference and societal pressures related to childcare and chores.
- These domestic responsibilities disproportionately falling on women influence their remote work decisions.
Remote Work's Mixed Career Impact
- Remote work can hinder women's career progression due to less visibility and fewer mentorship opportunities.
- However, senior women may gain productivity and family balance advantages from remote work.