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Half of working women face increased stress and lack of employer support for work-life balance, Deloitte study finds

Updated: Jun 15

Juggling work demands with personal life can be a constant struggle, especially for working women. A new study by Deloitte paints a concerning picture, revealing that half of all working women are facing heightened stress and a lack of support from their employers when it comes to achieving work-life balance. This can have a significant impact on their overall well-being and job satisfaction.

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Deloitte study: 50% of working women stressed & lack work-life balance support


Key findings of the Deloitte Women @ Work 2024 global study:


  • Rising stress levels: Half of the women surveyed reported higher stress levels than a year ago.


  • Lack of employer support: Nearly half (49%) of respondents believe their employers are not supportive of their efforts to balance work and personal commitments.


  • Exhaustion on the decline: The proportion of women who feel exhausted has decreased to a quarter, down from over a third in 2023.


  • Job changes: 16% of participants changed jobs in the past year, primarily due to unsatisfactory pay, work-life balance issues, and lack of schedule flexibility.


  • Fear of discussing work-life balance: Only 10% of respondents feel comfortable discussing this issue with their managers.


  • Negative impact of flexible work: 95% of women fear that requesting or taking advantage of flexible work arrangements would reduce their chances of promotion, and 93% believe their workload would not be adjusted accordingly.


  • Family responsibilities: Most working women (88%) work full-time and also take on the primary responsibility of childcare (50%), even when they are the higher earners in their households.


  • Prioritizing partners' careers: 37% of women in couples prioritize their partners' careers over their own, even among those who are the primary breadwinners.


Recommendations for employers:


  • Implement tailored HR policies: Adapt HR policies to the specific needs of women, considering childcare responsibilities and socio-cultural contexts, to support them in overcoming challenges and reaching their full potential.


  • Promote gender equality: Strive to become a "Gender Equality Leader" by providing equal opportunities for career advancement for both women and men.


  • Support work-life balance: Implement flexible work arrangements and family support programs to help reduce workplace stress and improve women's job satisfaction.



The Deloitte study highlights the urgent need for employers to take concrete action to support women in the workplace and create a more equitable and inclusive work environment. Promoting gender equality, work-life balance, and HR policies tailored to the specific needs of women are essential to attract, retain, and develop female talent.



Related: Deloitte


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