Work-related strain affects the private lives of more than 8 out of 10 women

In France, many people in paid work also look after children or elderly relatives, and these combined roles may be difficult to reconcile. Drawing on new data from the 2024 Families and Employers survey,* authors Roméo Fontaine, Ariane Pailhé, and Delphine Remillon (INED) examine the quality of respondents’ work-life balance and examine its impact on health and fertility. The results show that women more often report work-related strain than men. However, family structure and employment characteristics are the main contributing factors.

Paid work as a source of work-related strain

Nearly 8 out of 10 employed people reported that work-related strain affects their private lives. More than half feel that their work prevents them from spending as much time as they would like with their partner or children. Family responsibilities also weigh heavily on professional activity: 38% of women and 27% of men report difficulty concentrating at work due to fatigure generated by family obligations. 

Families and caregivers are more likely to experience strain

Having young children or caring regularly for a relative with a disability or loss of independence negatively impacts the work-life balance: around 30% of parents with children under the age of 6 (compared to less than 19% of people without children) and 26% of caregivers describe a significant imbalance between their private and working lives, compared to 21% of people without relatives to care for. Single mothers are particularly affected.

The decisive role of working conditions

In addition to family situations, conditions of employment significantly increase difficulties. Working more than 45 hours per week, being self-employed, or having atypical working hours negatively impacts the quality of the work-life balance. Conversely, freedom to choose one’s  working hours and the possibility of working from home one or two days per week seem to promote a better work-life balance.

Private and professional life can also be mutually enriching: for nearly four out of five respondents, the pleasures of family life help them to work better, and 66% of women and 58% of men believe that their job contributes to their personal fulfilment and helps them to enjoy family life.

A poor work-life balance may mean poor health

Actively working people who report a very poor work-life balance are three times more likely to say they are in poor health (50% compared to 17% of others) and are more likely to have sleep problems or a risk of depression.

Impact on employment, not on fertility

People with a poor work-life balance frequently consider short-term job mobility, but their intentions to have a(nother) child is not affected. The next wave of the survey in 2027 will track the progress of these life plans.

These results highlight the central role of employment conditions in the work-life balance, more so than gender differences. They shed light on current debates on work organisation, support for parents and caregivers, and work-life balance policies at a time when demographic ageing and changes in employment are reshaping life trajectories.

Authors: Roméo Fontaine (INED), Ariane Pailhé (INED), and Delphine Remillon (INED)