The recipient of the latest Nobel Prize in Economics, Prof. Claudia Goldin, has analyzed 200 years of data on the gender pay gap–and proved that the current earnings gap can be mainly attributed to childcare responsibilities.
Childcare responsibilities are often disproportionately borne by women, primarily due to the traditional gender roles that have persisted for generations in many cultures around the world. These roles have perpetuated the societal expectation that women are the primary caregivers in households. A four-day work week presents an opportunity to encourage fathers to participate more equitably in childcare duties.
Goldin noted that both men and women start on equal footing, but the gap widens when kids are born, and then women continue to shoulder a big chunk of the burden. Similarly, McKinsey and LeanIn found in their report surveying over 200 firms that women are still being held back in the workplace because of factors including childcare expectations. In short, women's participation in the labor workforce continues to be low–and the gender pay gap continues to be a major issue.
There is no better time than now to introduce a four-day workweek. A shorter working week, in the form of a four-day workweek, is a transformative solution that can empower employees by providing them with the flexibility they need to juggle work and caregiving responsibilities effectively, closing the gender pay gap. Critically, it would narrow the gap between women working part-time due to childcare and family responsibilities and their full-time colleagues.
Childcare responsibilities
The most apparent advantage of a four-day workweek is the extra day off. This extra day provides women with the gift of time, enabling them to spend more quality moments with their children. For example, a mother who previously left for work early in the morning and returned late in the evening would have an additional full day to bond, play, and engage with her kids. The emotional benefits of this are immeasurable.
Crowdfunding platform Kickstarter introduced a three-day weekend to promote a healthier work-life balance. The most profound impact recorded was for young parents, particularly women, who got priceless time to spend with their children in their early years.
Balancing work and family life can be stressful, leading to burnout and mental health issues. The four-day workweek's compressed schedule can significantly reduce stress levels by providing longer weekends, allowing women to recharge and recover. This results in happier and healthier caregivers who can be more present and engaged with their families–and at work.
Microsoft Japan reported a 40% productivity increase as part of their Work-Life Choice Challenge, demonstrating that a shorter workweek can lead to more focused and efficient work. This increased efficiency directly benefitted women with childcare responsibilities, as it reduced the stress associated with managing work and family life.
Career stagnation
One of the significant challenges for women with childcare responsibilities is the risk of career stagnation. Often, women are forced to reduce their working hours or take a hiatus from their careers to meet their caregiving responsibilities. The four-day workweek can be instrumental in allowing women to continue their careers without major interruptions and can enable them to retain female talent.
Unilever's All Roles Flex policy is a prime example of a company actively supporting women with childcare responsibilities. The policy offers flexible working options, including shorter workweeks, to all employees. Unilever's commitment to flexibility has contributed to a more diverse and gender-balanced leadership team.
The four-day workweek is not just a schedule change–it’s a very good sketch of how the future of work should be. It offers a compelling solution for women with childcare responsibilities, allowing them to manage their families and careers better.
Organizations that embrace a four-day workweek send a powerful message: they are committed to gender equality and support the diverse needs of their employees. By empowering women with childcare responsibilities, we are not only creating a more inclusive and equitable workforce but also a better society.
It’s time for businesses, policymakers, and employees to champion the four-day workweek as a means to empower women, especially those with childcare responsibilities, creating a world where women can flourish in their careers while nurturing their families. This is not just an aspiration: It's a practical reality.
Mansoor Soomro, Ph.D., is a future-of-work researcher and regularly contributes to the debate on the 4-day workweek, resilience, sustainability, and artificial intelligence. He is the Enterprise and Innovation Lead at the Future of Work research unit at the Teesside University International Business School.
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