Ensuring a needs-based work-life balance for all: How adequate flexible working conditions can support intergenerational solidarity and the empowerment of women

Key points

The EESC:

• stresses the urgent need to adapt strategies for work-life balance taking into consideration the shifting demographics, new forms of work, flexible working arrangements and rising care demands, in view of the 2027 revision of the Directive (EU) 2019/1158 on work-life balance for parents and carers;
• notes that ageing populations require increased resources for care services and recommends the Council ask the Commission to develop a Care Toolbox with indicators for long-term care;
• emphasises that needs-based measures should provide affordable, accessible, high-quality services benefiting workers, families, companies, and public authorities;
• notes that despite some progress, women still bear most unpaid care work, contributing to the “feminisation of poverty” as women leave their jobs or reduce their working hours to care for a relative or children. Therefore, supporting care work and financial security of families and workers should be viewed as an investment benefiting society and the economy and not as an expense;
• suggests that the Commission assess work-life balance policies in EU companies, including benefits, challenges, and impacts on competitiveness as well as good practices, including in SMEs; attention should be also paid to the potential of intergenerational cooperation in the workplace;
• highlights that in the post-pandemic period, it is important to examine, evaluate and update, where necessary, the employment-related measures taken as a result of the pandemic, including flexible working arrangements (FWA) and integrate them into the review process of Directive (EU) 2019/1158 on work-life balance for parents and carers;
• highlights social dialogue as key to achieving appropriate work-life balance, with civil society organisations supporting the process.