Research from Eurofound indicates that in some countries work–life balance is declining. Women still do the lion’s share of unpaid work in the home but there are labour market shortages. Against this background, Europe is redoubling its efforts to increase the number of women in the labour market. Increasingly, work and care is being considered in the perspective of the whole working life course.
This event will examine the challenges as well as the different tools and practices that can foster greater reconciliation of work and private life, such as better working conditions, flexible work arrangements, availability of quality care services, and measures to help reduce the gender pay gap. This debate will also be an opportunity to discuss how to make both legal and non-legal measures a reality on the ground in the context of the upcoming European Union Directive on work–life balance.
Our very own Jens van Tricht will join the panel for the debate on “Life beyond work”. This session will look at the need to put work into the context of life, and not only care obligations. It will address the reconciliation of work with care responsibilities and private life. It will examine what is happening outside the workplace and the importance of non-working arrangements such as the availability of affordable, accessible and quality care options. It will consider the gender imbalances around care responsibilities, the challenges for men and parental rights.
The event will be live streamed, find more information here.