As the world continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents have found themselves adapting to a new way of working: from home. While this transition has been challenging for many, there are some unexpected benefits to working from home that have made life easier for parents.

Remote work mainly affects the fertility of women who already have multiple children, while it has no effect on the fertility intentions of women with no or one child.

According to the Demographic Intelligence Family Survey, recent research (2023) suggests that female remote workers are more inclined to plan having a baby, particularly if they are wealthier, older, and more educated, in comparison to their colleagues who work in an office. In addition, the study found that remote workers are more likely to tie the knot in the upcoming year compared to nonremote workers.

Remote workers, particularly those living with children, spend more time on childcare and housework due to the absence of time-consuming commutes, resulting in increased birth rates, especially for wealthier or more educated women. (Source)
Unmarried remote workers have higher chances of getting married in the next year compared to non-remote workers, possibly due to higher migration rates. (Source)
While remote work has a mild positive impact on the likelihood of near-term pregnancy, it significantly affects fertility intentions for women aged over 35, especially over 39. (Source)
Remote women with significantly improved household finances are over 10% more likely to report being pregnant or trying to be so compared to non-remote workers. (Source)
Remote work mainly affects the fertility of women who already have multiple children, while it has no effect on the fertility intentions of women with no or one child. (Source)

The benefits of working from home for parents

Flexible Schedules

One of the biggest advantages of working from home for parents is the ability to have a more flexible schedule. When working from an office, parents often have to abide by strict schedules and may have to leave work early to pick up their children from school or attend a school function. However, when working from home, parents have the freedom to adjust their work schedule to fit their family's needs. This means they can take breaks to help their children with schoolwork or attend virtual parent-teacher conferences without worrying about taking time off from work.

No Commute

Another benefit of working from home is the elimination of the daily commute. Commuting to work can be stressful and time-consuming, especially for parents who have to drop off their children at school or daycare before heading to work. By eliminating the commute, parents have more time to spend with their children in the morning, which can make the day feel less rushed and more relaxed.

More Time with Family

Working from home also allows parents to spend more time with their family. When working in an office, parents may only see their children in the morning and evening, leaving little time for quality time together. However, when working from home, parents can take breaks throughout the day to spend time with their children, whether it's playing a game or having lunch together. This extra time with family can lead to stronger bonds and a better work-life balance.

Reduced Stress

Finally, working from home can help reduce stress levels for parents. Juggling work and family responsibilities can be challenging, but working from home eliminates some of the stressors that come with an office environment. There's no need to worry about traffic or finding childcare, which can lead to a more relaxed and focused work environment. Additionally, being able to take breaks throughout the day to spend time with family can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Clearly working from home has provided some unexpected benefits for parents. From flexible schedules to more time with family, working from home has made life easier for many parents. As we continue to navigate these uncertain times, it's important to look for the positives and appreciate the small joys that come with working from home.