Family friendly organisations and women : one step forward, two steps back?

Santha Fernandez

    Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperConference Paper

    Abstract

    ![CDATA[The recent proliferation of family friendly workplaces (FFWs) is both encouraging and commendable, and perceived as a step forward in the right direction. This paper however proposes that current implementation strategies point to a contrary two steps back scenario. Research findings of a case study of a FFW show gender-related disproportionate take-up rates of family friendly provisions by a very specific, but significant, group of employees. Specifically, more female than male employees, from couple families with dependent children, are taking up the relevant family friendly provisions. These provisions generally provide parents time off paid work which arguably is ‘extra’ time devoted to child care and the related domestic work; a major component of unpaid work for this demographic group. Current organisational trends show gender-related disproportionate take-up rates of provisions in favour of mothers. Such a trend long-term could adversely impact, and undermine the progress and efforts made to-date of gender equality in unpaid work, and take us ‘two steps back’. The paper challenges not the validity of the FFW but rather their implementation strategies, and organisational cultures, and calls for a concerted effort by organisations to take on more socially responsive approaches in the implementation of work and family/life balance.]]
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationSocially responsive, socially responsible approaches to employment and work. Proceedings of the ACREW/KCL Conference, Prato, Italy, July 1-4
    PublisherMonash University
    Number of pages1
    ISBN (Print)073262293X
    Publication statusPublished - 2006
    EventACREW/KCL 2006 -
    Duration: 1 Jan 2006 → …

    Conference

    ConferenceACREW/KCL 2006
    Period1/01/06 → …

    Keywords

    • work and family
    • family friendly work
    • work
    • social aspects
    • women
    • parental leave

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