Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1515259
wbjournal.com | February 5, 2024 | Worcester Business Journal 13 PHOTOS | CHRISTINE PETERSON W O M E N I N L E A D E R S H I P F O C U S Men, work at workplace Men, work at home Women, work at workplace Women, work at home 63% 41% 73% 28% Women more likely to work at home Percent of all U.S. workers who worked from the home or workplace for at least part of an average workday, 2022 average Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 7% 55% 43% 35% Fewer professional work exclusively from home The percent of U.S. professionals in remote-eligible jobs, who work exclusively from home Source: Pew Research Center Pre-COVID October 2020 January 2022 February 2023 organization, Carr said. e group has offices across New England, but prior to the pandemic employees mainly worked with the people in their own office. With the move to remote work, they've been making more connections across the region. "You can foster a great company culture virtually," Carr said. Because the CWE Central Massachusetts office now gets less use, it downsized. And, Carr said, she receives frequent inquiries from potential employees who are drawn to the organization by the ability to work remotely. e shi has cemented her own desire to keep working for CWE. "It's been a game changer," she said. "I'm excited about it because it feels like I have more freedom." ere's no one-size-fits-all approach to work routines, Bussone said. Some employees prefer to come in to the office five days a week for face-to- face interactions, or because they like keeping their work and home lives separate. Others find ditching the commute one or two days a week improves their quality of life and gives them more freedom for things like attending their children's sports events. "We're all kind of learning and moving forward in real time," Bussone said. "Ten years from now, it could be a completely different model; but I sense the flexibility is here and the hybrid way is here to stay to a certain extent." (Above and right) Samantha Carr, pictured with her dog Gracie, will often work from her home in Spencer for her job at the Center for Women & Enterprise, a policy helping to keep her with the organization, where she advises other female profes- sionals seeking flexibility. W