Digitally Present, Professionally Absent? Investigating Leadership Stereotypes in Remote Work for Women in UK Technology

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic shifted work from offices to homes, changed daily routines, and influenced career development. This change brought both opportunities and challenges for women in the technology sector. This research examines the impact of gender stereotypes on the career advancement of women in remote work environments, utilizing survey data collected from 339 women employed in the UK tech sector. The research examines three key areas: leadership, competence, and recognition, and their impact on visibility and promotion. The findings indicate that recognition is the most significant factor in assisting women in achieving visibility and promotions. Leadership stereotypes, on the other hand, persist as a barrier, whereas competence stereotypes had minimal impact. This indicates that while women's technical skills are widely recognized, there are still lingering uncertainties regarding their leadership abilities. This article draws exclusively from the quantitative phase of a broader doctoral research project. The findings underscore the need for more equitable recognition and evaluation systems within remote work environments.