Remote Work and Gender Inequality: Unmasking the Challenges and Seeking Solutions

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the way we work, especially in the domain of remote work (RW). It compelled employees and organizations to embrace RW arrangements, which were previously voluntary, part time, or occasional, as a means to curtail the spread of the virus and minimize business disruptions. RW has introduced a flexible arrangement and other benefits but has also brought forth numerous challenges and obstacles specifically faced by female employees. In this study, we collect important insights about recent research focusing on the impact of RW, particularly accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic, on gender equality and highlight the barriers and challenges women face due to it. By analyzing insights gleaned from recent literature, we propose strategies and discuss the potential artificial intelligence-based solutions to address and overcome them. Furthermore, we also outline potential avenues for future research.