As companies call employees back to the office, a new study suggests women face an added burden: more gender discrimination.

Research from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management finds that women experience less discrimination when working remotely than in the office. A survey of over 1,000 professional women in hybrid jobs shows a clear gap: 31% reported gender discrimination in the office, compared with 17% at home. The contrast is even sharper in male-dominated workplaces, where the chance of facing discrimination rises to 58% in person, versus 26% remotely.

Age also plays a role. Women under 30 were more likely to face discrimination, with 31% experiencing it in the office, compared with 26% of older women. Only 14% of younger women encountered similar treatment when working from home.

A fairer environment

The researchers measured discrimination based on 11 workplace behaviors, including inappropriate attention, having ideas dismissed or stolen, and being excluded by colleagues. They were struck by the consistency of their findings across different industries and working conditions. Remote work, they conclude, acts as a shield against bias.

Still, the study does not suggest remote work is the solution. Gender discrimination is a systemic issue that should be fixed, not avoided through remote roles. The researchers warn that persistent bias could lead to lower job satisfaction, higher burnout, and trouble retaining talented employees.

Instead of treating remote work as a workaround, business leaders should focus on making offices fairer. Reducing workplace discrimination is not just the right thing to do—it also makes good business sense. A culture that alienates women will weaken teamwork and undermine the very benefits that companies hope to achieve by bringing people back in person.