Women at work: Challenges for the future

Abstract

This chapter discusses the work trends that may impact if and how women’s labour activity will differ in the future. These include: an ageing population; the feminisation of poverty; the support of decent and innovative work; social and cultural constraints; the increase in virtual working and the boundaryless workplace. While these last two factors may address work-life balance, they could lead to an increased blurring between work and home, in which demands (home and work) are increased and social support is decreased. The chapter explores further some of the challenges to women’s career advancement and sustainability in terms of leadership, pay and work patterns. Other social issues will be explored such as schools still having set times, which do not align with the work patterns of those women who choose to work full-time.