The rise of remote work has offered unprecedented flexibility for employees—but it has also unintentionally reinforced traditional gender roles, particularly in heterosexual households. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that women working from home are often expected to manage a disproportionate share of domestic responsibilities, leading to stress, resentment, and relationship tension.
The Double Burden of Remote Work
Studies and real-life experiences show that women working remotely often take on a “double shift”: maintaining professional responsibilities while managing household duties. Tasks such as cleaning, laundry, cooking, and childcare are frequently assumed to fall on the WFH partner, even when both partners have demanding careers.
This dynamic can create a significant strain on work-life balance, as remote employees attempt to juggle professional obligations with the day-to-day management of the home. The result is often increased stress, burnout, and reduced productivity.
Why WFH Can Reinforce Outdated Gender Norms
Licensed marriage and family therapist Elizabeth Earnshaw notes that while working from home initially feels liberating, it often comes with hidden expectations. Partners working in an office may assume that the remote worker can handle household interruptions such as deliveries, repairs, or childcare simply because they are “at home.”
This assumption leads to an inequitable division of labor, where remote workers—disproportionately women—carry a heavier domestic workload than their office-based partners. Over time, this can generate resentment and strain on the relationship.
Equity Over Equality: A Better Approach
Experts recommend equity rather than strict equality in dividing household responsibilities. Equity considers the unique circumstances of each partner, ensuring that the workload is fair and sustainable, even if not perfectly 50/50.
A practical method involves tracking weekly responsibilities—professional tasks, household chores, and caregiving—and reviewing them together. This exercise helps couples identify imbalances and establish a clear plan for distributing domestic labor, preventing WFH from becoming a source of tension.
The Impact on Relationships
Research and clinical observations indicate that disproportionate domestic responsibilities can exacerbate relationship stress. Couples may experience recurring conflicts, resentment, and, in some cases, long-term relationship strain.
Experts emphasize that the key to mitigating these risks lies in open communication, intentional planning, and realistic expectations. Establishing clear guidelines about responsibilities can help ensure that remote work supports a healthy work-life balance rather than reinforcing outdated domestic norms.
Key Takeaways
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Women working from home often carry a disproportionate share of domestic labor, creating a “double shift.”
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Remote work can unintentionally reinforce traditional gender roles if expectations are not discussed.
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Focusing on equity rather than strict equality in household responsibilities leads to healthier, more sustainable arrangements.
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Communication, planning, and task tracking are essential for preventing stress and resentment in WFH households.
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Awareness of these dynamics allows couples to leverage the benefits of remote work while maintaining fairness and balance.
