As horrible as the Covid-19 situation has been, it has allowed us to demonstrate that working from home (WFH) can work if done properly.
And since working from home (WFH) has traditionally more important to women than to men, it seemed like a good thing. In fact, it might have been the silver lining in the Covid-19 cloud.
Not so fast! Working from home can create career problems that disproportionately affect women according to a new Harvard Business Review article. These include:
- Increased work family conflict
Everything from sharing the workspace to dividing up the household chores to home-schooling the children can create or exacerbate tension. - Access to the right assignments and the right people
We know that it’s impossible to progress unless one assembles the right portfolio of experience. And although it may not be impossible, it is certainly a lot harder to get ahead without sponsorship. - Being in the room(s) where it happens.
Out of sight can mean being out of mind. Working remotely for long periods of time, no matter how productively, can leave you invisible when promotions are decided or important project are staffed.
Don’t let these potential “trip wires” get you off track. Enjoy the flexibility that working from home (WFH) offers even after the Covid-19 situation has been solved and it is safe to go back to the office.
I’ve just created a virtual session that offers practical advice and tools about how to negotiate ways to reduce the risks mentioned above. Get in touch if you’d like to discuss bringing this session to the women at your organization.