Disproportionate Burden on Working Women

Why in the News?

The recent tragic death of a 26-year-old female Chartered Accountant working at Ernst & Young (EY) has sparked renewed conversations about the overwhelming workload and stress faced by young Working Women professionals, particularly in white-collar roles, in India.

What is the State of Working Women in India?

Work Hours and Stress Levels:

• According to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), young Indian women professionals work an average of 55 hours per week, with daily shifts lasting between 9 to 11 hours. This leaves them with only 7 to 10 hours of rest, as many also shoulder household responsibilities.
• In comparison, women in IT and media in countries like Germany work about 32 hours a week, while in Russia, they work 40 hours.

Younger Professional Women Work More:

• Women between the ages of 15 to 24 in information and communication technology (ICT) and media sectors work roughly 57 hours per week. Those in professional, scientific, and technical fields work around 55 hours per week.
• This data highlights a troubling trend where younger women in the workforce are putting in more hours as compared to their older counterparts.

Gender Imbalance in Professional Roles:

• Only 8.5% of women hold positions in scientific and technical fields, and 20% work in the ICT sector.
• India ranks 15th from the bottom among 145 countries in terms of women’s participation in professional scientific and technical roles.

Women Leading in Unpaid Domestic Work:

• Data from the National Family Health Survey (2019-21) reveals that women who are not part of the formal labor force spend about 7.5 hours per day on unpaid domestic and caregiving tasks.
• Employed women spend about 5.8 hours daily on unpaid domestic work, while unemployed men contribute 3.5 hours and employed men only 2.7 hours per day.

Regional Variations:

• Around 85% of women aged 15 to 59 engage in unpaid domestic work, with little variation between urban and rural areas.
• In states like Haryana and Rajasthan, male participation in domestic work remains below 50%, according to the NFHS (2019-21) data.

What is the Scenario for White-Collar Jobs in India?

Current Situation of Regulation:

• White-collar workers, defined as salaried professionals who typically handle administrative or managerial duties, are governed by various central laws such as the Industrial Disputes Act (1947), the Shops and Establishments Act (1954), and the Factories Act (1948).
• However, the absence of standardized contract templates creates inconsistencies in employee rights across companies, making regulatory enforcement challenging.

Need for Regulation:

• A 2023 ASSOCHAM study revealed that 42% of Indian white-collar employees work beyond the legal limit of 48 hours per week.
• A 2022 TeamLease survey revealed that 68% of professionals in India struggle with work-life balance, which negatively impacts their mental health and personal relationships.
• The rise of the gig economy adds further complexity, as many freelancers do not have access to essential benefits like paid leave and health insurance.

Concerns Against Stricter Labour Laws:

• Impact on Innovation and Adaptability: Stricter labor regulations might hamper the flexibility needed for fast-paced sectors like IT.
• Employer-Employee Relationships: Fostering open communication and trust between employers and employees is seen as more effective for achieving work-life balance than imposing rigid regulations.
• Effect on Job Creation: Increased compliance costs could result in fewer job openings or layoffs, potentially harming the employment market.

Challenges to Women’s Participation in the Labor Force:

Patriarchal Social Norms:

• Deep-rooted patriarchal structures and traditional gender roles limit women’s access to education and employment. Women are often expected to prioritize caregiving and household duties over professional work, reducing their participation in the workforce.

Gender Wage Gap:

• Women in India face a significant wage disparity. The World Inequality Report 2022 states that men earn 82% of labor income, while women receive only 18%. This wage gap discourages women from seeking formal employment.

Safety Concerns:

• Workplace safety remains a major issue, with many women facing harassment and violence, further discouraging them from participating in the labor force.

Underrepresentation in Leadership Roles:

• Women are underrepresented in leadership and decision-making positions, perpetuating gender bias in workplace policies and preventing the advancement of women in the workforce.

Steps Ahead:

Focus on Women’s Inclusion and Support:

• Companies should ensure gender equality through policies that offer paid maternity leave, flexible work hours, and a safe workplace environment.
• Efforts should also be made to remove gender bias in hiring, promotions, and pay structures to create equal opportunities for all.

Cultural Transformation:

• Promoting employee well-being through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, such as mental health support for women and discouraging long working hours, can improve work-life balance and reduce burnout.

Legal Reforms and Enforcement:

• It is essential to enforce existing labor laws strictly and update regulations to address the growing gig and freelance workforce. This includes ensuring minimum wages, addressing workplace safety, offering social security benefits, and creating efficient dispute resolution systems for non-traditional workers.

Government Policies and Awareness:

• Governments should create policies that promote flexible work environments, provide health coverage, and encourage workplace diversity.
• Awareness campaigns on employee rights and employer responsibilities can also help ensure fair working conditions for both men and women.

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