The American Management Association (AMA) surveyed 1,000 U.S. knowledge workers in a bid to recognize the impact that remote and hybrid work can have on employee development, advancement and overall success.
The AMA survey – “How Hybrid Work Affects Career Advancement with Disparities Based on Gender and Age” – highlighted critical differences between how men and women perceive office-based work, especially men who are early in their careers. Responses indicated that 52 percent of men aged 25 to 34 who are in the office at least four days a week believe it is helpful to their careers, in addition to improving their ability to be coached and developed. In comparison, only 30 percent of women saw those advantages.
Men aged 35-44 said working from the office provided improved visibility to senior leaders (50 percent vs. 37 percent of women) and enhanced job satisfaction (40 percent vs. 27 percent of women). While hybrid work offered benefits for quality of life (73 percent overall) and job satisfaction (70 percent overall), it was noted that it also impacts opportunities related to career mobility.
“Managers and leaders need to ensure their organization’s employees—regardless of gender and workplace environments—are being developed, coached and given opportunities for advancement equitably,” said AMA president and CEO, Manny Avramidis.
Teamwork was also an important consideration. Fifty-one percent of respondents who work remotely at least one weekday said remote work hinders rapport building. The proportion jumped to 67 percent for those who go to an office daily.
Collaboration and rapport in the workplace have changed dramatically since the pandemic, and are integral to high-performing, competitive organizations. That means workers must have both traditional team-building skills and the self-direction to effectively collaborate with colleagues when not co-located.
The report also maintains that it is in the best interest of both organizations and employees to recognize and ensure all workers have equal access to equitable training and mentoring opportunities, regardless of whether remote, hybrid or in-office.
Click here to read the AMA’s complimentary whitepaper.
