Return-to-office mandates are spreading across North America, with Canada's major banks, the Ontario government, Amazon and Facebook calling employees back into the office.
These moves reverse the flexibility that became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic, when remote work became the new norm as public health measures emphasized staying home and avoiding large gatherings.
Supporters of these policies often cite collaboration, innovation and mentorship as reasons to bring workers together in person.
But our research shows that these mandates don't affect everyone equally. For many women, returning to the office means stepping back into environments where gender bias is more pronounced.
