Uni of York research probes impact of hybrid working on gender gap
Study focuses on wellbeing challenges faced by mothers
A new research programme led by Dr Naomi Finch at the University of York is investigating the impact of hybrid working on gender inequalities among parents. Collaborating with charities Coram Family and Childcare and Working Families, the study examines how the blend of remote and in-office work affects parental childcare responsibilities.
As hybrid working becomes more prevalent post-pandemic, research suggests it may exacerbate stress and wellbeing disparities, particularly for mothers who often juggle childcare and full-time work. This study seeks to identify the most effective arrangements by considering different combinations of hybrid work and childcare.
Dr Naomi Finch highlighted the study’s purpose: “For many parents, combining work with caring responsibilities may feel like the only viable option, even if it comes at a cost to their health and wellbeing or career progression.”
Previous research at the University of York has shown that while hybrid working offers unexpected benefits such as reduced work-family conflict for fathers, it can negatively impact women. Women using hybrid work to meet both workplace and caring expectations often experience a decline in wellbeing.
The study aims to address these issues by consulting with employers, policymakers, and childcare providers to explore ways to better support working parents. The findings are intended to inform national and regional policy as hybrid working continues to reshape family life across the UK.
The research comes at a crucial time with increasing pressure on staff to return to offices and the UK government pledging greater flexibility for parents, including expanded nursery provisions and free breakfast clubs starting from 2025.
Dr Finch emphasised the significance of understanding whether these changes empower hybrid-working parents and whether challenges for parents of primary school children persist: “It will be vital to understand how these measures influence parents’ decisions about work and care, and whether they reduce or reinforce existing inequalities.”