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Working from home, gendered divisions of labor and subjective time pressure: A cross-spousal analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Lyn Craig

    (School of Social and Political Sciences, Faculty of Arts, The University of Melbourne,)

  • Irma Mooi-Reci

    (Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne)

  • Federico Zilio

    (Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne)

Abstract

This study examines how working from home (WFH) shapes time allocation, divisions of labor, and subjective time pressure within dual-earner couples. Using high-quality longitudinal panel data from Australian couples, we analyse the joint effects of partners’ WFH arrangements, distinguishing impacts by intensity and frequency of home-based work. Results from family fixed-effect models reveal that short-hours WFH is associated with increased paid work for both partners, higher total workloads, and elevated time stress. In contrast, high-intensity WFH redistributes unpaid labour more equitably when men work from home, modestly alleviating women’s time pressure, but is largely concentrated among men with high job autonomy. Gendered effects are pronounced: women’s workloads and time stress respond to both their own and their partner’s WFH, whereas men’s outcomes are largely unaffected by their partner’s arrangements. Overall, WFH does not systematically narrow gender gaps in couples; its effects depend critically on relative WFH intensity between partners.

Suggested Citation

  • Lyn Craig & Irma Mooi-Reci & Federico Zilio, 2026. "Working from home, gendered divisions of labor and subjective time pressure: A cross-spousal analysis," Melbourne Institute Working Paper Series wp2026n14, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne.
    • Handle: RePEc:iae:iaewps:wp2026n14
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D13 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Production and Intrahouse Allocation
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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