Is Remote Work Sabotaging Women's Career Progression? Insights from a Top UK Bank CEO

Remote Work's Impact on Women's Careers

Remote work might be hindering women's career progression more than we realize, according to Debbie Crosbie, CEO of Nationwide, one of the UK’s leading banks. Crosbie, who became CEO in June 2022, ended the bank’s "work anywhere policy" in late 2023, emphasizing the importance of in-office presence for career development, particularly for women.

Crosbie noted, “Being seen and seeing other leaders is a crucial part of development.” She highlighted that at Nationwide, men are more likely to come into the office than women, which could affect women's visibility and opportunities for advancement.

Previously, Crosbie's predecessor, Joe Garner, had promoted a 100% work-from-anywhere policy, citing productivity and talent access as key reasons. However, Crosbie's new policy mandates a minimum of two days in the office for full-time employees, which she believes is essential for cultivating future female leaders.

In an op-ed for The Independent, Crosbie shared that many women at Nationwide feel energized when they return to a structured routine that includes in-office work. She stated that being around great leaders was pivotal in her early career.

The Broader Implications of Remote Work

Experts echo Crosbie's concerns, suggesting that remote work can be perceived as absenteeism. This issue disproportionately affects women, people of color, and individuals with disabilities, potentially damaging their career prospects. A study from Durham University found that remote work could negatively impact female employees' self-confidence and morale.

The push for remote work policies has spread across the financial sector, with many institutions requiring employees to return to the office. For instance, Santander has shifted from advocating flexibility to enforcing a 12-day monthly in-office policy. Similarly, Starling Bank faced backlash after mandating staff to work in the office for at least 10 days a month without adequate space.

While some organizations maintain that remote work has its benefits, others argue that flexibility might not always equate to positive outcomes, especially for women. The UK has recognized the right for employees to request flexible work arrangements from their first day of employment.

Nationwide prides itself on having a high percentage of female employees, currently around 60%, surpassing competitors like HSBC and Barclays. Crosbie emphasized the need for companies to support women in balancing their work and childcare responsibilities while encouraging them to take advantage of in-office opportunities.

“We must ensure that we don’t inadvertently prevent women from seizing opportunities by not being in the office when it is beneficial for their skills and contribution to the business,” she concluded.