For many women in India, choosing a job is no longer based only on salary packages or career growth. A new survey by Indeed has revealed that flexibility and work-life balance are becoming major deciding factors for women entering or continuing in the workforce.
According to the survey, nearly 83 per cent of women in India said they had skipped applying for certain jobs because caregiving responsibilities made those roles difficult to manage. The findings highlight how family responsibilities, childcare and elder care continue to shape women’s career choices across the country.
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The report suggests that rigid work schedules and long office hours often discourage women from pursuing opportunities, even when they are qualified for the role. Flexible working arrangements, remote work options and supportive workplace policies are increasingly seen as essential rather than optional benefits.
Experts believe the shift reflects changing priorities among working professionals after the pandemic, which brought greater attention to work-life balance and mental well-being. Companies offering hybrid work models and flexible hours are now viewed as more attractive employers, especially among women balancing professional and personal responsibilities.
The survey also underlines a broader challenge for India’s workforce participation rate among women. While more women are gaining education and skills, many still struggle to remain in full-time employment due to household and caregiving pressures.
Industry observers say organisations that invest in family-friendly policies, childcare support and flexible schedules could see better employee retention and greater gender diversity in the workplace. As workplaces evolve, flexibility is rapidly becoming one of the strongest factors influencing career decisions for women in India.
