International Day of Families – Spotlight on work-life balance

Monday 15 May is International Day of Families, a day that focuses on the role of families and the impact of family-oriented policies in promoting overall well-being in Europe, and on the world of work.

For many people in Europe work-life balance is a key issue. It our research we look at some of the factors that help or hinder workers in combining working with non-working life. In particular, we look at maternity and paternity provisions, the need for quality and affordable early childhood care, as well as specific supports needed by those with care responsibilities for children and adults.

We have also documented in detail how the economic crisis that began in 2008 has impacted families in Europe, and how changes in family policy since 2010 are largely the result of a range of conflicting issues: the evolution of family needs; demands for austerity cuts; and the need for equitable distribution of limited resources.

Find out more about our work on family policies and work-life balance:

Topic page: Work-life balance

Foundation Focus: Work–life balance: Creating solutions for everyone

Publication: Families in the economic crisis: Changes in policy measures in the EU

Publication: Quality of life in Europe: Families in the economic crisis

Publication: Promoting uptake of parental and paternity leave among fathers in the European Union

Publication: Maternity leave provisions in the EU Member States: Duration and allowances

Publication: Early childhood care: working conditions, training and quality of services – A systematic review

Blog: Early childhood care: Getting it right from the start

Find out more on International Day of Families 2017: UN Website