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The effect of COVID-19 on the gender gap in remote work

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Listed:
  • Marcén, Miriam
  • Morales, Marina

Abstract

We examine changes in the gender gap in working from home (WFH) in response to the unanticipated first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from the American Time Use Survey, we find a non-negligible widening of the gender gap with WFH being more prevalent among women than among men. Respondents' job traits played a significant role in the gender gap variations, those working in the private sector being the most affected. Young individuals, those more educated, and those living with a dependent person increased the gender gap more in terms of the proportion of time devoted to WFH. We further show evidence suggesting the mitigating effect of non-pharmaceutical interventions during the first wave of the pandemic, positively affecting the WFH tendency for men but not for women. Overall, the gender gap change proves robust to identification checks. In addition, the gender gap response has had a long-lasting impact on the gender gap.

Suggested Citation

  • Marcén, Miriam & Morales, Marina, 2024. "The effect of COVID-19 on the gender gap in remote work," GLO Discussion Paper Series 1379, Global Labor Organization (GLO).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:glodps:1379
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Smith, Bonny V. & Robbennolt, Dale & Bhat, Chandra R., 2025. "An evaluation of the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on public transit use in the United States," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 90-100.

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • D10 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - General
    • J16 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Gender; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J22 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Time Allocation and Labor Supply

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