The work-life tightrope: Women are redefining career success

As part of our micro-series on key data points from the groundbreaking What Women Want survey, presented at The Women’s Summit in October 2024 in partnership with She, Her, Hers, we’re spotlighting the complex realities shaping women’s lives today. These articles break down the data, tell the stories behind the numbers, and outline where change is most needed.

The pandemic didn’t just change how we work – it reshaped what we want from work. According to the What Women Want survey, hybrid and remote work are not optional conveniences for many women – they’re essential lifelines for achieving work-life balance.

Key insights from the data:

• The top two career goals for women: financial stability and work-life balance.
• 60% of mothers of young children prefer a hybrid/remote work model.
• Women are twice as likely as men to prioritize flexibility when choosing jobs.

Why this matters:

Workplace flexibility isn’t a demand for convenience – it’s a necessity for managing the disproportionate responsibilities women often bear at home and in the workplace. Flexibility allows women to better navigate caregiving duties, household responsibilities, and professional demands, enabling them to thrive both personally and professionally. 

This, in turn, reduces burnout, increases job satisfaction, and supports long-term career growth. For employers, offering flexible work arrangements is not just a nice-to-have – it’s a strategic imperative. Organizations that prioritize flexibility are better positioned to attract top female talent and retain the women already on their teams. In a competitive labour market, failing to provide flexibility can lead to higher turnover, lower engagement, and a shrinking pipeline of future female leaders.

What’s next:

• For employers: Normalize flexible work arrangements and invest in hybrid-friendly technology.
• For policymakers: Establish clear guidelines to protect employees’ right to flexibility without penalty.
• For individuals: If possible, advocate for hybrid options during job negotiations.

Canadian career and workplace support resources:

• Women of Influence – Professional development events and leadership resources for women.
• Lean In Canada – A network offering mentorship, career advice, and support.
• Canada Job Bank – Tools to explore job opportunities with hybrid and remote options.

by She/Her/Hers & The Honest Talk

She/Her/Hers is a research practice dedicated to exploring how the lived experiences of Canadians, their behaviours, and attitudes are gendered.

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