(E)quality Workplaces for Women?

Gender Dynamics in Collaborative Workspaces in Non-Urban Areas in Austria.

Abstract

Collaborative workspaces (CWS) are gaining popularity as alternatives to traditional offices, yet their gender dynamics remain underexplored. While CWS claim to offer a more egalitarian, open work atmosphere, prior research suggests workplaces are rarely gender-neutral. Drawing from ethnographic research of CWS in rural Austria including one women-focused, this contribution provides insights about existing gender dynamics and reveals how organizational structure and workspace design may influence gender inequalities, emphasising the importance of inclusive CWS in non-urban areas.