How Remote work can Help Shatter the Glass Ceiling.

Abstract

The "Glass Ceiling" isthe name given to this overwhelming condition in the HR literature.It emphasizes the numerous hurdles that women face when climbing the corporate ladder (Damunupolaa & Sutha, 2019). For decades, women have been reluctant to compete in the workplace with men. Men and women develop their careers in several distinct manners. Women's careers are more likely than men's to include job changes owing to family responsibilities, and they balance work and family in their professional development (Amin et al., 2020). It appears that recognizing the constraints that lead to the glass ceiling effect is crucial to resolving workplace issues about disparities in gender and devising measures to address and improve rules to prevent such problems.

Greater prospects for Sri Lankan women to climb to managerial positions have arisen as a result of recent technological advancements, globalization, and a more liberal business environment in Sri Lanka, as well as the entry of women into the labor market. The traditional workplace has always been a challenging battleground for women seeking to break through the glass ceiling, however, the advent of remote work provides new alternatives for women seeking to level the playing field. so, it's time to look into how remote work might help break down obstacles to women's career advancement, fostering greater gender equality and empowerment in the workplace.

According to the Labor Force Survey annual report of 2022, 78.1% of female employees contribute to the Sri Lankan economy as family workers. These findings exhibit that household is a significant factor leading to women becoming economically inactive even though women wanted to work at the workplace and their family responsibilities have to bear interfere with it. That's why remote work can be considered one of the best solutions for the glass ceiling in Sri Lanka. Remote work allows women to better combine their career and personal lives. This is particularly beneficial for females and careers, who frequently have to choose between a profession and a family. The flexibility to work from home and choose one's schedule can alleviate the restraints that the standard 9-to-5 office employment imposes on women. Working from home does not imply isolation. Through virtual meetings, conferences, and online forums, women can continue to create strong professional networks and mentorship relationships. These networks offer chances for mentorship, funding, and assistance, all of which are critical for breaking through the glass ceiling.

Women have made significant achievements in breaking through the glass ceiling and becoming effective industry leaders. A notable example is Indra Nooyi, who took over as CEO of PepsiCo in 2006. She was the first female CEO of a Fortune 500 business? and has been widely lauded for her leadership, receiving multiple awards and distinctions during her career. Kasturi Angela Chellaraja Wilson, Group Chief Executive Officer of Hemas Holdings PLC, is one noteworthy example from Sri Lanka. She is Sri Lanka's first female Group CEO of a publicly traded business. These ladies have all made significant contributions and serve as encouraging examples of what can be accomplished when women are allowed to lead.