Hybrid working was once seen as a solution to help parents better balance careers and family life, but recent research suggests it may be creating new pressures, particularly for mothers.
Hybrid work 'risks widening gender gap' in family roles
Studies from the University of York show flexible working does not benefit men and women equally, with fathers reporting improved wellbeing while mothers face greater stress and setbacks to their health and career progression.
Fathers working from home more frequently also reported lower levels of work family conflict and improved overall wellbeing.
In contrast, women working in hybrid roles were more likely to take on a dual burden, using that flexibility to keep up with work demands while also managing childcare, often at the expense of their own wellbeing.
Researchers say this imbalance risks widening the gender gap unless broader changes are made to workplace culture and family policy.
A new research programme, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, aims to explore the issue further. Led by Naomi Finch at the University of York, the study will examine how families manage hybrid work alongside childcare.
The project is being carried out in collaboration with Coram Family and Childcare and Working Families, and will also look at how parents balance work with both formal childcare, such as nurseries, and informal support from family members.
Dr Finch said the reality for many parents is complex. "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."
She added that more research is needed to fully understand how families are adapting to post pandemic working patterns.
She explained: "Despite growing anecdotal evidence, there is still limited understanding of how families are managing hybrid work and childcare in the post pandemic world, and which arrangements work best."