Why do conservatives dislike remote working?

Flexible working has helped women progress in the workplace. Since 2019, the share of women working fulltime in the insurance and finance sectors in the UK rose from 75% to 83%. The rate for mothers in finance rose more than ten percentage points. Overall the share of mothers in work reached a record 79% in 2023.

Now bosses want their staff back in the office, with half of companies requiring their staff to attend at least four days a week. Many women have chosen not to. The employment rate for women with dependent children has fallen from its peak, while that for men has remained steady. By the end of 2023, the difficulty of balancing work and childcare had pushed an estimated 250,000 women out of the workforce, with a worrying spike among the 35-44 year age group in many critical sectors.

Is this why conservatives are really pushing for a return to the office?

Source: The Economist, 13 March 2025.

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

MarineBob · 56-60, M

Most wouldn't go back even if the employer paid for childcare

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@MarineBob This specifically refers to the finance and insurance sectors, which traditionally have not been welcoming to women. The gains (which have now been all but lost) are thought to have been largely due to homeworking. It's not simply a financial inducement, the home office is simply more conducive to productive work for at least some employees.

MarineBob · 56-60, M

@SunshineGirl should employers deduct the average cost of child care that you are saving.... what about meal prep times?

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@MarineBob Why? If a person can do her job just as effectively and productively at home but she is compelled to attend an office, unneccessary financial costs have been added by the employer.

ninalanyon · 61-69, T

@MarineBob Why should the employer have any say in how you spend your income? Or are you offering to pay my hourly rate for the time I would have to spend commuting? And the bus fare, and a wear and tear allowance for footwear?