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Life and Work-life Balance Satisfaction Among Parents Working From Home: the Role of Work-time and Childcare Demands

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Kurowska

    (University of Warsaw)

  • Ewa Cukrowska-Torzewska

    (University of Warsaw)

  • Tsegachew Degu Kasegn

    (University of Warsaw)

  • Bartłomiej Rokicki

    (University of Warsaw)

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between working from home (WFH) and satisfaction with work-life balance (WLB) and life satisfaction among parents with dependent children, focusing on moderating factors related to work hours and childcare demands. We differentiate between parents who continued WFH from before the COVID-19 pandemic and those who began WFH during the pandemic. Using a dataset collected via a representative online survey in Canada, Germany, Italy, Poland, Sweden, and the United States, we provide cross-national estimates of WFH’s impact on WLB and life satisfaction. Data collection took place between June and September 2021, capturing a unique period when WFH was widespread but pandemic-related restrictions had been lifted. Our findings show that both fathers and mothers across all countries reported higher WLB when WFH, particularly if they gained the opportunity to WFH during the pandemic. However, the association between WFH and life satisfaction was less consistent and varied by gender and country. For parents who worked from home prior to the pandemic, WFH was linked to higher WLB satisfaction only if they did not work long hours. Interestingly, mothers who began WFH during the pandemic reported higher WLB satisfaction even when working long hours or bearing primary childcare responsibilities. This suggests that the newly gained ability to WFH was especially valued by mothers as a vital means of balancing intensive work and family demands during the pandemic. These findings underscore the importance of distinguishing between the short- and long-term effects of WFH on WLB in future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Kurowska & Ewa Cukrowska-Torzewska & Tsegachew Degu Kasegn & Bartłomiej Rokicki, 2025. "Life and Work-life Balance Satisfaction Among Parents Working From Home: the Role of Work-time and Childcare Demands," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 20(3), pages 1315-1338, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ariqol:v:20:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s11482-025-10467-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s11482-025-10467-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fabian Onyekachi Ugwu & Ibeawuchi K. Enwereuzor & Jens Mazei, 2023. "Is Working from Home a Blessing or a Burden? Home Demands as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Work Engagement and Work-Life Balance," Applied Research in Quality of Life, Springer;International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies, vol. 18(1), pages 341-364, February.
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