In Balance

For many working people it is a challenge to find a balance between going to work, doing the household, caring for children,  hobbies, friends and family, playing sports, etc. Research by Statbel (2019) shows that one in three 18 to 64-year-olds experience difficulties in reconciling work and family. Although more and more women are active in the labor market, it appears that they also take on a large part of the household and care tasks. Research into the differences in time use between men and women shows that women spend more time on household chores than men (an average of 1 hour and 15 minutes more per working day) and that they spend twice as much time on child care and upbringing. Women have less free time than men; about 45 minutes less per weekday and one hour less per weekend day. For women, it is therefore a major challenge to find the balance between work and private life as they often find themselves navigating between multiple demanding roles. In addition, the gender gap also widens after becoming parents. Difficulties in reconciling work and family not only affects individual well-being, but also career opportunities. Based on innovative exploration, we therefore want to develop a high-quality concept that strengthens employees - men and women, in whatever family situation - in an equal way, in order to maintain or restore that work-life balance. 

Keywords:work-life balance, gender gap, equality, inclusion

Disciplines:Work and organisational psychology

Project type:Collaboration project