New Delhi, May 29 -- I was part of a panel discussion in 2023 on how India Inc is testing out different retention tools. The pros and cons of work-from-home came up in our discussion. I pointed out that one needs to be cognizant of the reality that being 'seen' at the workplace carries more weight than one may realize, especially for women.

A panellist batting for flexible work hours chimed in, "But what if you want to give that time to your family, be around for that one hot home-cooked meal a day?"

The gender ratio of the panel was three men to one woman. All three male heads, plus the fourth one of the moderator, turned towards me. The panellist who had raised that question did not take my name. But people are so deeply conditioned b...