A recent report by Indeed has highlighted the significant impact of caregiving responsibilities on women's career decisions in India. According to the study, 83 per cent of respondents admitted to skipping applications for certain roles due to concerns about balancing work with family duties. This finding underscores the persistent influence of unpaid care work on professional choices.
Key Findings from the Report
The report, based on responses from 1,141 women across major Indian cities including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, and Kolkata, reveals that nearly 8 in 10 women avoided applying for jobs because of caregiving obligations. The respondents included working mothers, women on career breaks, and those returning to work after a hiatus.
Flexibility as a Priority
Flexibility emerged as a crucial factor in job selection. The report found that 53 per cent of women prioritize flexible working hours, while 48 per cent prefer hybrid or remote work options. Compensation expectations are also shifting, with nearly 8 in 10 respondents willing to accept lower pay for better flexibility and work-life balance. Specifically, 45 per cent would accept lower pay, and 34 per cent would consider it.
Impact on Working Mothers
For working mothers, hybrid and remote work are especially important. The report noted that 37 per cent of respondents identified hybrid or remote work as the most impactful workplace change. Overall, 59 per cent felt that workplace flexibility has genuinely improved career opportunities for mothers in India, with an additional 30 per cent saying it has helped to some extent.
Return-to-Office Expectations
The findings also show that return-to-office mandates influence job decisions. More than 51 per cent of respondents turned down a job interview or offer due to office attendance requirements. Full-time office mandates were cited as the biggest barrier by 37 per cent of respondents, followed by lack of flexibility in roles at 34 per cent.
This report highlights the ongoing challenges women face in balancing career and caregiving, emphasizing the need for flexible work policies to support women's workforce participation.
