Mitigating Gender Disparities in Unemployment Risk: The Role of Flexible Work Arrangements Post-Childbirth

• In Event: 50609 - Gender Inequality in Work and Family Life

Abstract

Gender disparities in unemployment risk often increase after childbirth, as women face more career interruptions due to caregiving responsibilities compared to men. Although flexible work arrangements (FWAs), including reduced hours, flexible schedules, and telecommuting, offer greater work-life balance, their potential in addressing gender disparities in unemployment risk remains underexplored. Using a nationally representative UK dataset (2010-2023) and logit regression models, this study examines how FWAs influence unemployment risk post-childbirth, with a focus on gender differences. The findings indicate that while gender disparities in unemployment risk increase after childbirth, the use of FWAs is associated with a reduction in unemployment risk for women but not for men. Despite this, the gender gap persists even with FWAs. Furthermore, teleworking and reduced hours reduce gender disparities in unemployment risk, whereas flexible schedules do not. The findings suggest targeted policies that promote teleworking and reduced hours to advance gender equality and support career sustainability.

Authors

• Sizhan Cui, Nanjing University

• Yexin Zheng, Fujian Normal University

• Senhu Wang