In a culture that seems to pit “boss babes” and “trad wives” against each other, recent polling of voters by the Independent Women’s Forum shows one common sentiment in the conversation about femininity and family life: 90% of women agree that flexibility is important in the workforce.
In today’s fast-evolving economy, flexibility in the workplace isn’t just a perk — it’s a necessity, especially for women and caregivers. With changing family dynamics, aging populations, and increased demands both at home and at work, the traditional 9-5 model doesn’t really fit the needs of modern employees. Flexibility has become a key driver for recruitment, retention, and overall workforce satisfaction.
According to the Labor Department, women make up nearly 47% of the workforce, but they are also significantly more likely to take on caregiving duties. A 2020 report by the National Alliance for Caregiving found that 61% of caregivers are women, many of whom balance full-time jobs alongside caring for children, elderly parents, or other family members.
Between February and October 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 2.2 million women left the labor force, often citing caregiving demands as a primary reason. Even today, many have yet to fully return.
IWF polling also found that 84% of female voters agree that independent contracting is a good option for many people seeking flexible jobs. Eighty-two percent of female voters believe that people should be allowed the flexibility to work as independent contractors.
Without this flexibility, many women are forced to choose between their careers and their caregiving responsibilities. Moreover, arrangements such as remote work, flexible hours, and the option to work as an independent contractor can dramatically improve the ability of women and caregivers to stay in the workforce.
A McKinsey & Company report revealed that women with access to flexible work options are 1.5 times more likely to remain with their employers. Moreover, companies that offer flexible work arrangements experience 55% lower turnover rates, according to a 2021 study from FlexJobs.
By working a combination of a remote full-time job and a few side contracts since before the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve been able to travel the world, pay off a considerable amount of debt, and turn my passions into my dream career.
Now that I’m married with two children under 3, a flexible work environment has allowed me to be fully present as a parent when the unexpected pops up without compromising my career goals.
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTING IS ANOTHER 80-20 ISSUE
This Small Business Week, it’s crucial to recognize that flexibility in the workforce is not just a perk — it’s a fundamental pillar of economic opportunity for women. Flexibility allows women to participate in the workforce without sacrificing their personal responsibilities or ambitions. Flexibility doesn’t mean working less — rather, it means working smarter.
As we celebrate the contributions of small businesses, we must also advocate workplace models that empower women to thrive professionally while managing the many demands of modern life.
Chloe Anagnos is a visiting fellow at the Independent Women’s Forum. She is a second-generation American and a wife, mother, digital strategist, and writer.