Remote work during pandemic might be the reason behind a mini-baby boom in the US, says a study.
Remote work may be a catalyst for a COVID-adjacent baby boom, according to a new study by the Economic Innovation Group. The study, based on data from the 2022 Demographic Intelligence Survey, found that women who worked remotely and had significantly improved financial situations were 10 percentage points more likely to report being pregnant or trying to conceive than those who did not work remotely. However, the effect was not significant for women whose financial situations were stable or had worsened.
The study also found that remote work did not necessarily trigger women to initiate childbearing but may help older women balance work and family demands to achieve their family goals. The findings suggest that greater flexibility in work scheduling in general might be one solution to the problem of population decline, particularly in women over the age of 35.
Experts agree that increased social support, such as expanded or universal childcare, guaranteed family income, and guaranteed paid leave, can help families and prevent large-scale economic harm. With the trend of remote work likely to continue, such policies may be crucial in encouraging population growth and supporting families in the years to come.
