New research from the University of Sheffield and Durham University Business School reveals that women face greater challenges in separating work from family life when working remotely compared to men.
The study, conducted by Menghan Shen, MSc Information Management student at the University of Sheffield, and Dr Efpraxia Zamani, Associate Professor of Information Systems at Durham University, sought to understand how remote work impacts the work-life boundaries of both genders.
The findings suggest that while remote work is often praised for its flexibility and potential to address gender inequality, it does not equally benefit everyone. Women, in particular, struggle more with maintaining clear boundaries between their professional and personal lives when working from home. This challenge often results in increased stress and decreased productivity for women, whereas men report being able to maintain a clearer separation between their work and family responsibilities.
Differing Priorities and Impact on Productivity
The research highlighted significant differences in how men and women prioritise work and family during remote work. Women were found to be more likely to value being present for their families, even during work hours, leading to frequent interruptions that blur the lines between work and home life. In contrast, men were less likely to allow family needs to disrupt their work schedules, enabling them to maintain a more distinct separation between the two spheres.
Despite these challenges, the researchers do not conclude that remote work is inherently negative for women. “The greater flexibility that working from home provides has empowered women to bridge much of the gender gap in the workplace,” said Dr Zamani. However, the study suggests that achieving true equality in work and family life requires more shared responsibilities within the home. Currently, women are carrying a similar workload in their professional lives as men, but with the added burden of greater family responsibilities.
The Dual Nature of Remote Work
The research also indicates that the impact of remote work can vary widely depending on individual circumstances and how remote work is managed by employers. On the negative side, working fully remotely can lead to feelings of alienation and low self-confidence, as employees may adopt an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ mentality. However, with proper support and management, remote work can also enhance employee wellbeing and enable a better balance between work and family life.
To maximise the benefits of remote work, the researchers recommend that employers provide remote workers with access to tools and systems that help them manage boundaries effectively. For instance, enabling flexible working patterns can accommodate personal and family life while ensuring that work is completed efficiently. Such integrative strategies could help remote workers maintain high levels of productivity while also attending to their family responsibilities.
This study underscores the importance of considering personal circumstances and tailored management strategies in remote work arrangements to ensure that all employees, regardless of gender, can benefit equally.
