The Invisible Tax of Office Housework for Women

Women at Work: Career, Leadership & Modern Work · Oct 12, 2026 · 12m

We examine how unpaid administrative labor silently derails women’s career trajectories. Research from Columbia Business School and the University of Chicago shows that while men in entry-level roles focus on billable work, women are disproportionately tasked with note-taking, party planning, and internal logistics. This 'office housework' creates a visibility gap that stalls promotions. We look at the specific data on how these tasks consume hours without building a resume-worthy portfolio, and why high-potential female talent often hits a ceiling not because of skill, but because of time…