European Economic
and Social Committee
Needs-based work-life balance for all generations
Ensuring a needs-based work-life balance is crucial for a socially inclusive EU that also promotes intergenerational solidarity. But how can working arrangements become more responsive to the needs of different generations? This is what the exploratory opinion SOC/808 of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) aims to examine.
The Work-Life Balance Directive adopted in 2019 addresses the needs of working parents and carers. Since its transposition, significant progress has been made in fostering policies that facilitate flexible work arrangements. However, with new trends and challenges emerging, such as the spread of new forms of work and demographic changes, workers are still struggling to better balance their careers with changing and often increasing care responsibilities.
Moreover, from an intergenerational perspective, the reconciliation of paid and unpaid work is unevenly distributed. 70% of informal carers are over 45 years of age, with the majority carrying out care tasks in addition to (or by giving up) their work responsibilities3. This is especially true for women, who provide care more frequently and for longer periods than men. Unmet care needs are causing difficulties for young people as well, leading them to postpone starting families or to have fewer children than planned.
It is therefore time to reconsider the provisions of the Directive and explore what more can be done to support Europeans in their roles both in family life and at work. The EESC opinion SOC/808 examines ways to offer a secure and flexible working environment that accommodates diverse caregiving responsibilities for individuals navigating the intersection of paid and unpaid work. It identifies areas for improvement and promotes exemplary practices within workplaces that foster a family-friendly environment and offer flexible, needs-based working arrangements for all generations.
Kinga JOÓ (HU)
Member, Civil Society Organisations’ Group International Advisor to the President, National Association of Large Families (NOE) President, Social Responsibility Board, National Cooperation Fund (NEA)