Caregiving Duties Continue to Affect Women's Employment: Report

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Monday, 18 May 2026

According to report released by Indeed India, world’s premium job site and a global leader in job matching and hiring, caregiving responsibilities continue to influence career choices of women working professionals with a close to 8 out of 10 women deciding against applying for certain jobs.

 The report that surveyed 1141 women highlighted that 83% of them deliberately and circumstantially chose not to apply for certain position over concerns about managing work and family commitments.

Indeed India’s Managing Director Sashi Kumar, a seasoned corporate and sales leader said, "While caregiving responsibilities are shared across many households, the report highlights how women in India continue to factor these demands into important career decisions. Women remain ambitious, but many are increasingly selective about roles that fit the realities of caregiving. Employers that offer genuine flexibility and clearer expectations are better positioned to attract and retain them,"

Key Highlights

• Almost 8 out of 10 women from India opted against applying for jobs owing to family commitments, according to a report by Indeed
• The main concerns for female candidates while selecting job positions were flexible working hours and hybrid positions
• The increased need to attend offices forced many women to avoid interviews and job offers

The nationwide study includes working mothers and professionals on a career break. Participating cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune and Kolkata highlight that women workforce face several challenges to re-join the workforce.

According to the study, women professionals are prioritizing flexibility when evaluating job opportunities. This includes flexible work hours ranking highest for 53% of respondents, while 48% preferred hybrid or remote work arrangements.

Women’s work-life balance is changing their views on careers and compensation, with many willing to accept lower pay in exchange for more flexibility. While 37% of working women felt hybrid and remote working will have the biggest impact on working women, the report reveals.

Indeed’s survey points out that flexible work models continue to shape and strengthen women’s career choices to large extent. 59% of respondents acknowledged that it has a significant improved prospect for working mothers in India. An additional 30% have reported that there have been some positive changes due to this.

On the other hand, mandates like rising office attendance are promoting many women to decline job opportunities by 37%. 34% of women professionals acknowledged that they turned down a job prospect because of lack of flexibility in job roles.

Many respondents reported that clear and practical job expectations are becoming critical for women candidates to re-join the workforce.