The gendered employment effects of working from home in Europe: pre- and post-pandemic findings from a dynamic panel data analysis


Öz R., Karakaya H.

International Journal of Human Resource Management, vol.37, no.8, pp.1406-1431, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 37 Issue: 8
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/09585192.2026.2694597
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Human Resource Management
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, ABI/INFORM, EBSCO Education Source, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, DIALNET, Business Source Ultimate (EBSCO), Education Source Ultimate (EBSCO), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
  • Page Numbers: pp.1406-1431
  • Keywords: dynamic panel data, Employment, gender differences, post-pandemic labour market, work-from-home
  • Bursa Uludag University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study examines the effects of work-from-home (WFH) patterns (regular and occasional) on employment in European countries between 2015 and 2023, focusing on gender differences and post-pandemic labour market changes. Using dynamic panel data analysis, it assesses WFH’s impact on employment. The findings show that regular WFH had no significant effect on overall employment throughout the period but increased female employment post-pandemic while having no impact on male employment. Occasional WFH also showed no significant effect during the entire period but led to a decline in overall employment after the pandemic. However, in the post-pandemic period, occasional WFH positively affected overall employment, with a stronger impact on female. The results highlight the positive role of WFH models in supporting female employment and their influence on gender-based differences in the labour market post-pandemic.