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Understanding Remote Work Preferences Among Parents and Childless Workers
The landscape of work has dramatically changed in recent years, particularly in the wake of the global pandemic. One area that has seen significant interest is the preference for remote work among different demographics, particularly parents versus childless individuals. A recent survey by the Ifo Institute and Stanford University sheds light on the nuanced preferences regarding remote work among these groups.
Key Findings from the Survey
A substantial sample of 16,422 college-educated workers across 40 countries was surveyed during 2024 and 2025. The study found intriguing trends in the desire to work remotely between fathers, mothers, and individuals without children.
Remote Work Desire Among Fathers and Childless Men
Fathers expressed a desire to work from home an average of 2.57 days per week. In contrast, childless men reported slightly higher preferences at 2.62 days. This marginal difference highlights an underlying trend: childless men are slightly more inclined toward remote work than their father counterparts, suggesting that parental responsibilities might influence the wish for flexible work arrangements.
Mothers’ Preferences Compared to Childless Women
When comparing mothers to childless women, the findings reveal a more pronounced difference in preferences for remote work. Mothers indicated a desire to work from home an average of 2.66 days per week, while childless women preferred an average of 2.53 days. This discrepancy seems to align with the greater caregiving responsibilities placed on mothers in many households.
Potential Influencing Factors
Several factors may contribute to the differences in remote work preferences.
Care Responsibilities
In many households, mothers tend to bear the brunt of caregiving responsibilities, a reality that is especially pronounced in cases of separation or couples who never lived together. This often leads to a stronger inclination among mothers to seek remote work as a means to balance their professional lives with childcare duties.
The Current Reality of Remote Work
While the desire to work remotely is evident, the actual reality shows a gap between preference and practice.
Average Days Worked Remotely
The survey found that, on average, people worked from home only 1.27 days per week in 2024, a decrease from 1.33 days in 2023 and 1.61 days in 2022. This figure is notably lower than the perceived ideal days of remote work.
Geographic Variations in Remote Work Practices
The survey also revealed geographic disparities in remote work practices, further highlighting the complexities of this evolving work model.
English-Speaking Countries vs. Other Regions
English-speaking countries show some of the highest averages for remote work, typically around 1.6 days per week. Canada and the United Kingdom lead this trend, indicating a cultural acceptance of flexible work arrangements in these areas.
Remote Work Trends in Europe and Africa
Countries such as Finland and Germany report higher figures for remote work, yet the European average stands at only 1.2 days per week. In contrast, individuals in some African countries like South Africa and Nigeria find themselves working from home approximately 1.4 days a week, indicating a different approach to remote work culture.
Gender Disparities in Remote Work
Perhaps one of the most striking findings from the survey is the gender gap in remote work opportunities, particularly in Latin America, where women face broader barriers to accessing flexible work arrangements. This disparity underscores the ongoing challenges related to gender roles and responsibilities in the workplace.
Through these findings, we gain a better understanding of the complexities and variations in remote work preferences among different demographic groups, highlighting the essential need for policies that address these disparities and promote equitable work environments for all.
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