Women risk missing out on professional opportunities because they are less likely to go to the office than men, the boss of the world’s largest construction company has said.
Speaking to BBC R4’s Today programme, Nationwide chief executive Debbie Crosbie said it was important for career progression to have a “physical presence” in the workplace.
Ms Crosbie ended the organisation’s “work anywhere” policy for its 13,000 non-branch staff last December, asking most full-time workers to come in twice a week instead.
She suggested that while flexible working can be helpful for those with caring responsibilities, it is important for workers to see leaders in action.
Under its previous chief executive, Joe Garner, Nationwide championed 100% remote working, citing research findings suggesting a “work from anywhere” policy had big benefits.
Some personnel left their bases, others built child care facilities to accommodate their new arrangements.
However, Ms Crosbie said she believed in a more collaborative approach.
After an agreement with the union, a hybrid policy was introduced, with most full-time workers asked to come to the office at least one or two days a week.
The turnaround was criticized by staffers who had made big changes during the pandemic.
But a year later, Ms Crosbie told the BBC she had seen a noticeable difference in office attendance.
“We’re seeing, certainly at Nationwide… that men are more likely to move into the office than women.”
She added that observing and interacting with leaders is key to growth, highlighting the impact of having a female CEO as a mentor early in one’s career.
“Being seen and then seeing other leaders is a very important part of development,” Crosbie said.
“I have benefited enormously from observing some truly excellent leaders and how they faced difficult problems.”
She also highlighted the need for businesses to support women leaders and families by providing flexible childcare options.
She acknowledged the challenges senior managers face in managing long working hours and childcare responsibilities, highlighting the role businesses can play.
Previous research by academics at Durham University and the University of Sheffield suggests that women are more likely to experience blurred boundaries between work and family life.
The study found that women working remotely were more likely to enjoy being present with their families, while men were less likely to interrupt their work schedule to accommodate their family’s needs.
Its researchers, however, suggest that remote work can help employees better balance work and family if they are well supported.
“Businesses have a role to play in this,” Ms Crosbie said on Tuesday.
“We just have to be careful that we don’t inadvertently prevent women from pursuing certain opportunities by not being in the office when they feel it’s beneficial both to their skills and to contributing to the company.”
