Women who choose to work from home could be missing out on critical career opportunities, according to the head of Nationwide, Debbie Crosbie.
In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, CEO Debbie Crosbie spoke of the importance of being physically present in the office to unlock career growth, citing evidence that employees who work from the office are more likely to be noticed and given leadership opportunities.
Crosbie’s comments come after Nationwide’s shift away from its “work anywhere” policy, which had allowed 13,000 non-branch employees to work remotely without restriction.
The new hybrid work policy requires most full-time workers to come into the office at least twice a week. While flexible work options are vital for employees with family responsibilities, Crosbie suggested that being physically present in the office helps employees “gain visibility” – a key factor in career advancement.
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Crosbie noted that men are more likely to come into the office than women, and that this trend could potentially limit women’s opportunities for networking, mentoring, and visibility within the organisation, factors crucial for professional growth.
Balancing Flexibility with Career Growth
Despite the challenges, Crosbie acknowledged that businesses have a crucial role to play in supporting both men and women with flexible work arrangements, particularly when it comes to childcare responsibilities. Offering parental leave, flexible hours, and remote work options can help employees balance their professional and personal lives without sacrificing career progression.
In her interview, Crosbie said that companies need to invest in flexible childcare solutions to help women stay in the workforce and progress to senior positions. The availability of family-friendly policies is essential for retaining talent and ensuring that women have the same opportunities as men to rise through the ranks.
Crosbie also stressed the importance of mentorship and leadership visibility in women’s career advancement.
“Being seen and then seeing other leaders is a really important part of development,” she said. “I benefited enormously from watching some really excellent leaders and how they navigated challenging problems.”
