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RTO MANDATES: A STEP BACK FOR GENDER EQUITY?
Liz Prince, Business Manager at Amiqus, Founder of the G Into Gaming campaign and Co-Founder of the Empower-Up EDI platform addresses the ‘Return to Office’ issue that is currently building momentum in some parts of the workplace…
research, as well as anecdotal evidence, of the benefits to both studios and staff of having the opportunity to work in the office and remotely during the week. At Amiqus, we practice what we preach, coming to collaborate together in the office one day a week, and the rest working at home. It works perfectly for the business and the team – and is not something we’ll be changing. But there is a mood in some parts of business for bringing employees back to the office full-time. Recently, the US President issued RTO mandates for federal workers, signalling a broader push for full-time, in-person work. And, as many have since highlighted, these mandates pose a significant threat to gender equity in the workplace. For women – especially those millions with caring responsibilities – remote work has been a game-changer, allowing them to balance professional and personal demands more effectively. RTO directives risk undoing these advancements, reinforcing outdated workplace norms and creating barriers to women’s career progression. Critics of remote work argue that it
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reduces productivity, hampers collaboration, and weakens workplace culture. However, extensive research contradicts these claims. Studies have shown that employees working remotely have higher productivity levels,
44 | MCV/DEVELOP February/March 2025
nyone who knows me will be aware that I am a huge proponent of flexible working. Time and again, we have seen
benefiting from fewer distractions and the ability to tailor their work to their needs. The idea that being physically present equates to greater productivity is rooted in outdated workplace structures that prioritise face time over outcomes. This mindset disproportionately impacts women, who have historically faced biases questioning their commitment to their careers when they require flexibility. By pushing for RTO mandates, I believe that businesses risk reinforcing these harmful stereotypes rather than recognising the tangible benefits of remote work. Women continue to shoulder a
disproportionate share of caring responsibilities, whether for children, elderly parents, or other dependents. The flexibility of remote work has allowed many women to remain in the workforce without having to make untenable sacrifices. Studies conducted during the Covid-19 pandemic revealed that remote work arrangements allowed women to continue advancing in their careers while maintaining their caring responsibilities. RTO mandates ignore this reality, placing women in a difficult position. If forced back into the office full-time, many women may find it challenging to manage their responsibilities at home, leading to increased stress and even burnout. Given that women already face barriers to career advancement, the risk of losing them from the workplace due to inflexible policies is clearly a step backward in the fight for gender equity.
At Amiqus, we have many resources available to help, so please do get in touch via
liz.prince@
amiqus.com
Beyond the individual benefits to women, embracing flexible work policies offer advantages for studios. Companies that allow remote or hybrid work models report higher employee satisfaction and retention rates. Workers who feel trusted and empowered to manage their schedules tend to be more engaged and productive. In addition, offering remote work options expands the talent pool for organisations. Many talented professionals prioritise flexibility when choosing an employer. Companies that insist on rigid office mandates risk alienating a large segment of the workforce and losing valuable talent to more progressive competitors. Additionally, businesses that prioritise gender equity through flexible work arrangements enhance their reputation as inclusive workplaces. This, in turn, attracts a diverse range of candidates and creates a culture of belonging, leading to increased innovation and long-term success.
I firmly believe that, rather than reverting to
pre-pandemic norms, studios should embrace the positive lessons learned over the past few years. Flexible work arrangements benefit employees and businesses alike, contributing to higher productivity, greater job satisfaction, and enhanced workforce diversity. Mandating a return to the office ignores the realities of modern work-life balance, disproportionately affecting women and undermining gender equity efforts. Surely no-one wants to move backwards…
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