The Modern Workplace and its Impact on Women in Commercial Real Estate

CREW Network conducted its most recent benchmark study in 2025 in partnership with the MIT Center for Real Estate. The study revealed critical benchmarks such as career advancement, compensation, and representation in commercial real estate (CRE). And, for the first time, it benchmarked professionals leveraging remote and hybrid work—which has transformed the CRE workplace in the last six years. 

CREW Network research reveals that women benefit from workplace flexibility but may face reduced visibility and advancement opportunities. To close these gaps, industry leaders need to ensure they are evaluating outcomes based on performance over physical presence while offering all employees access to career building opportunities. 

CREW Network’s 2026 research paper examines: 

• The state of flexible work in commercial real estate 

• The challenges and benefits 

• How it impacts women 

• Case studies from member companies around the globe; and 

• An action guide for employers and women. 

Key Insights  

• Commercial real estate professionals spend 56% of their time in the office. On average, they work 46 hours per week—26 hours in the office, 15 hours remotely, and 5 hours in the field. Women are working remotely 2.5 hours more per week than men. 

• Workplace research makes a strong case for hybrid work. The remote work bias disappears for hybrid workers, with no discernible difference in promotion rates between those who are fully in person and those who come in less than five days a week. 

• Hybrid work is a benefit for women—but only if organizations manage it intentionally. Its impact depends on whether organizations create equal access to visibility, relationships, mentorship, sponsorship, and career opportunities. 

• Companies can facilitate a variety of mentorship and learning opportunities for employees that are in-person and virtual. Mentorship and learning are not-one-size fits all, and often some of the most impactful opportunities happen outside of the company and conferences, training programs, and networking across markets, for example. 

• Working remotely can shield women from some microaggressions and make it easier for them to be heard and seen in meetings. The 2025 CREW Network benchmark study revealed that gender discrimination in the workplace is women’s primary barrier to achieving success and advancing their commercial real estate careers. 

• Hybrid work is here to stay, but commercial real estate remains a people-oriented business where trust, collaboration, networking, and relationship-building matter. 

How to Advance this Research  

1. Download the research paper or request a printed copy here. 

2. Share this research with your company leaders, including HR teams and top executives  

3. Plan an event or program to share the research in your company or market. CREW Network chapters and members can leverage a marketing toolkit and other promotional items in CREWbiz.