Work-family Reconciliation among Quebec Mothers and Fathers during the Pandemic: Findings and Recommendations for Quebec

ABSTRACT

Research Framework The health crisis resulted in difficult situations for many workers, but especially for parents, who had to reconcile their work and family activities while the children were at home. Objectives: The objective of this research is to compare the work-family reconciliation of Quebec fathers and mothers before and during the pandemic. Methodology: We use survey data collected from Quebec working parents in 2018, 2020 and 2021. Results: Our results lead to three observations 1) the existence of gendered effects of the pandemic on Quebec workers 2) the role of employers in the reduction of work-family conflict, and 3) a certain ease reported in work-family reconciliation during a pandemic. Conclusions: The transition to telework has reduced time conflicts for many parents, and a larger proportion of them feel they have an easy work-family reconciliation in 2020 and 2021, than in 2018. Contribution Our research makes it possible to formulate recommendations to improve the support offered to Quebec families in terms of work-family balance. © 2022 Centre - Urbanisation Culture Societe de l'INRS. All rights reserved.