Family Dynamics Shape Workforce Engagement: ILO

On the International Day of Families, observed on May 15, the International Labour Organization (ILO) delves into the relationship between family dynamics and workforce participation, particularly focusing on the gender gap. ILO Modelled Estimates (ILOEST) reveal significant disparities in labor force engagement between men and women across various family types and income groups, with family composition playing a crucial role in how people participate in the workforce.

Prime-age adults, typically aged 25 to 54, constitute the core of the workforce, often juggling professional commitments with familial responsibilities. A considerable portion of this demographic supports dependents, such as children, elderly relatives, or individuals with disabilities, requiring a delicate balance between work and caregiving duties, as reported by ILO.

The study shows that over the past two decades, the global labor force participation rate for prime-age adults has remained steady. However, a gender breakdown reveals a persistent divergence. Women have marginally increased their participation rates by 1.1 percentage points since 2004, reaching 64.5% in 2023, while men experienced a 1.1 percentage point drop, reaching 92%. Consequently, the gender gap in labor force participation stands at a substantial 27.5 percentage points in 2023.

Family composition significantly influences this gender gap, particularly concerning childcare responsibilities, reveals the study. Women, burdened by prevailing gender norms, disproportionately shoulder childcare duties, impacting their workforce engagement. Data underscores that women in couple and extended family households with young children exhibit markedly lower labor force participation rates compared to their childless counterparts. In contrast, lone mothers of young children, often compelled by financial necessity, display increased workforce engagement.

The study underscores the multifaceted nature of the gender gap, influenced not only by childcare responsibilities but also by broader societal factors such as gender norms, discriminatory policies, and limited access to education and employment opportunities. To address these disparities, the report advocates for comprehensive strategies including accessible childcare services, paid parental leave, flexible work options, and initiatives to combat gender discrimination.

In lower-income settings, investing in public services and infrastructure could enhance opportunities for women in marginalized households, thereby contributing to gender equality in the workforce. As countries strive to narrow the gender gap, addressing the complexities of family dynamics and their impact on workforce participation remains paramount, according to ILO.