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.

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Convivial · 26-30, F

I think a simpler explanation is the old school approach between managing and supervising and the control that gives people... Just my view

SunshineGirl · 36-40, F

@Convivial And in some sectors exerting completely inappropriate control over younger female employees, I am sad to say (based on personal experience).

Convivial · 26-30, F

@SunshineGirl I was thinking of those that believe micro managing is the only way to keep the serfs under control, but yes, your point is unfortunately valid

Heartlander · 80-89, M

@SunshineGirl The US has a bit of a dark history with female garment workers and their stern management. Also unions pushed back hard against women horning in on their jobs. I believe most of the world have similar dark histories, maybe even darker, much darker.