How New Zealand's Work-Life Balance Can Inspire a Global Shift

Women in Tech Demand Flexible Policies: Rejecting RTO Mandates

Update Women in Tech Rejecting Rigid Work Policies: A Clear MessageAs the debate around return-to-office (RTO) mandates intensifies, women in the tech industry are leading the charge against rigid office policies. Their message is loud and clear: flexibility is not a mere perk—it is a prerequisite for their career satisfaction and retention. The 2025 Speak Up survey from Ensono highlights a significant shift in priorities among women in tech, with a newfound focus on work flexibility as the predominant reason for considering job changes.Understanding the Flexibility ImperativeFlexibility has become foundational for many professionals, especially women who are juggling multiple responsibilities, such as caregiving and professional aspirations. This renegotiation of work-life balance comes at a time when many leading companies are staggering back to pre-pandemic norms, opting for mandatory in-office schedules. However, a considerable number of women are distancing themselves from workplaces that prioritize office presence over personal autonomy.The 2025 Speak Up report indicates that 82% of women face mandatory RTOs, but this does not align with their needs. Nearly half of these women, identified as caregivers, struggle to balance their commitments, and a reported one in four feels uncomfortable in office settings due to microaggressions. This burdensome reality illustrates the stark contrast between organizational goals for productivity and the lived experiences of many women in tech.Evaluating the Impact of Rigid Return-to-Office MandatesThis push for in-office work raises crucial questions about productivity and organizational culture. Some argue that in-person collaboration can enhance innovation and teamwork, while others assert that a rigid return setting may ultimately decrease job satisfaction and retention. For women, who statistically have higher demands for flexibility, the implications are even more profound. Elizabeth L. Campbell, a management professor at UC San Diego, explains, "Remote work allows women to better balance their caregiving responsibilities, a burden disproportionately shouldered by them in many households."Gender Disparities in Office EnvironmentData reveals that women are returning to the office at lower rates compared to their male counterparts. In 2024, only 29% of men were spending time working from home compared to a steady 36% for women, further demonstrating a growing divide. The torchbearer for this flexibility trend is Citigroup's CEO Jane Fraser, who notably maintains flexible policies to attract and retain talent, particularly among women. The business case here emphasizes that allowing flexibility can yield competitive advantages in talent retention—a crucial asset in today’s workforce climate.Long-Term Risks and SolutionsThe risks of enforcing in-office mandates include a potential stifling of women’s career advancements due to disconnection from important networking and mentoring opportunities available in office settings. As Campbell noted, visibility in workplaces traditionally favors in-person engagement, potentially leaving remote female employees at a disadvantage in promotions and recognition.To mitigate these risks, organizations must revise their return-to-office strategies, focusing on inclusivity and empathy. The reliance on data to understand employee preferences should guide employer practices and cultivate workplace environments supporting both hybrid and fully remote setups. Furthermore, companies can establish mentoring programs explicitly designed to connect remote employees with executives, ensuring they have equal access to growth opportunities.Actionable Insights for Employees and EmployersAs leaders reconsider their post-pandemic strategies, it’s pertinent for both employees and organizations to approach workplace flexibility as a vital component of business strategy. Workers, especially women, should advocate for their needs by communicating aspirations and seeking mentors who can guide them in navigating workplace demands.Moreover, employers should not merely focus on convenience but also consider the long-term implications of their workplace models for equity and retention in the workforce. By leading with empathy and taking proactive actions, companies can create working environments where all employees thrive—whether they are in the office or working from home.Conclusion: Moving Towards an Equitable FutureAs conversations around the return-to-office continue, the need to reframe workplace flexibility as a non-negotiable policy remains pressing. Women in tech are at the forefront of this movement, signaling a call for empathy-driven leadership that values the diverse experiences of employees. A future where work-life balance is not just an aspiration but standard practice could redefine how organizations operate and empower all workers to excel.