Work from home has increased women`s burden, study

A survey conducted across states and cities by Upceed Consulting Services (UCS), a Bengaluru-based company, has found that nearly 70 per cent of the employees are still working from home. And while doing so, the work often extended beyond regular office timings, not to mention the long work calls. About 95 per cent of people said they worked on weekends as well. The survey found such a trend to be a burden for many employees, especially women, as they continue to bear caregiving responsibilities besides their professional commitments.

One of the primary reasons behind this is the undemarcated office-home space in the remote-work scenario. "Earlier women were in a situation where they took care of household responsibilities before leaving for work, and do the same after coming home. Now, they have the whole family at home, including elders and kids, to take care of," Anupamaa V, managing partner, AVRC legal and chief trainer, Upceed Consulting Services, told. One of the major hassles is the unavailability of househelps, which has further increased pressure on women, the survey found.

The pandemic has resulted in many job cuts in the past few months. With reduced workforce, employers have shifted the workload to available employees, but it has only added to their burden. Those who are living alone have been found to be able to invest more hours into work, with no travel time and lesser responsibilities at home, as compared to those living with families, according to the survey.

Anupamaa elaborated, "There are too many online calls happening now. Earlier, there was a designated time for work, and meetings would usually take place within that time, after which you came home. But now you have too many calls throughout the day, apart from your regular work. Add to that family obligation. And that is making things really tough. There are people who are starting at 5 am in the morning and winding up at 11 pm-12 am at night."

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