3.1.2 Work-life balance policies

Almost one-third of the survey respondents and focus group participants identified work-life balance as a common challenge, particularly as a result of it being intricately connected with other factors, including prevalent attitudes and entrenched gender stereotypes regarding the societal roles of women and men.

In the context of a traditionally male-dominated industry like chemical safety and security, the availability of flexible work-life balance policies is necessary for achieving both personal and professional goals, as well as for promoting better career access, recruitment and retention of women in this sector, thereby enhancing workplace inclusivity.

Recommendation: Facilitating hybrid or remote

work arrangements, including for caregiving employees, as well as flexible work hours and schedule. This has a positive impact on their mental health and job performance, allowing them to balance their professional and personal commitments with greater ease.

Best practice: The Slovenian National Institute of Chemistry extended the option to work from home for a higher number of days. This helps researchers to balance work and family life and organize their own time. These measures targeted employees of all genders but may be more beneficial to those with caring duties.57

57 National Institute of Chemistry (n.d.). Gender Equality Plan: https://www.ki.si/en/about-the-institute/gender-equality-plan/

Recommendation: Establishing family-friendly

and childcare facilities at the workplace, such as nursing rooms and on-site day-care facilities (e.g., crèche or nursery), will facilitate and enhance the productivity of working mothers. In lieu, providing financial assistance can assist mothers when placing their child dependents in external nurseries. Women should be given more opportunities to expand their knowledge and equip their skills as opposed to having to put back since they are considered the primary caregivers. (Survey respondent)

Recommendation: Developing gender-inclusive policies and/or laws that provide paid ma-

ternity and paternity leave in an effort to reduce the cultural stigma associated with employing women.58

58 doucet, A., Mathieu, S., McKay, L. Ibid.