It’s not just the pay gap. This disparity also holds working women back
It is a truth universally acknowledged: A woman with a family and a career is in want of more hours in the day. Despite this, conversations around gender inequity at work typically focus on a pay gap rather than the consequences of what happens when women don’t have as much time as their male counterparts. In a new study published in the International Journal of Management Reviews , researchers analyzed 88 studies on the interaction between “gender, time, and organizations” in Africa. The researchers wanted to spotlight African organizations to understand how caregiving and other cultural expectations play out at work. They found that the unpaid labor that women do at home creates a hidden time gap that limits their ability to get ahead at work—which in turn impacts training, networking, and taking on the projects that can lead to a promotion. While the analysis focuses on Africa, the researchers explained that similar patterns exist all over the world. Outside of work, women do more of the unpaid domestic work , and they are expected to contribute more to their social lives . “Women are not falling behind because they lack ambition or ability. They are falling behind because they are carrying a second shift that workplaces still largely ignore. If we want real inclusion, we have to stop designing jobs around the assumption that everyone has unlimited time,” said University of East London business professor Toyin Adisa, one of the study’s authors. Solving the time issue will take exactly
In discussions about gender inequality at work, the focus is often on the pay gap that women face compared to men. However, a new study published in the International Journal of Management Reviews highlights another significant barrier to equality: the hidden time gap. Researchers analyzed 88 studies on the intersection of gender, time, and organizations in Africa, aiming to understand how caregiving and cultural expectations impact women's professional growth. The findings reveal that the unpaid labor women perform at home creates a disparity in available time, limiting their ability to advance in their careers.
The study emphasizes that this time gap affects women's participation in training, networking, and taking on projects that could lead to promotions. While the analysis centers on African organizations, the researchers note that similar patterns exist worldwide. Women are disproportionately responsible for unpaid domestic work and are expected to contribute more to their social lives outside of work.
"Women are not falling behind because they lack ambition or ability," said Toyin Adisa, a University of East London business professor and one of the study's authors. "They are falling behind because they are carrying a second shift that workplaces still largely ignore. If we want real inclusion, we have to stop designing jobs around the assumption that everyone has unlimited time."
The study's authors argue that addressing the time gap requires more than minor policy adjustments. "We cannot rely on small tweaks," Adisa said. "We have to rethink how work is organized and how care is valued across society."
The researchers offered several suggestions to level the playing field, with a particular focus on improving childcare support options. This need is not unique to Africa; it is also prevalent in the United States. A 2021 Care.com study found that American parents spend 20% or more of their annual income on childcare services.
The hidden time gap underscores the need for systemic changes in both workplaces and society. By recognizing and addressing the unpaid labor women perform, organizations can create more inclusive environments that allow all employees to thrive. This includes providing flexible work arrangements, investing in childcare, and valuing caregiving as an essential part of work.
Ultimately, the time gap is a critical factor in perpetuating gender inequality. To achieve true equality, it is essential to shift the conversation from just the pay gap to the broader issue of time and how it affects women's professional opportunities. By addressing this disparity, we can pave the way for a more equitable workplace and society.
