Chapter 3: Exploring the Link Between Flexible Work Schedules and Violence Against Women

Violence against women remains a significant public health issue, with women in the workforce disproportionately experiencing violence across workplace, community, and domestic settings. These forms of violence include sexual harassment, sexual assault, stalking, and domestic violence, often perpetuated by factors such as structural inequalities, patriarchal norms, and the dual demands of work and home responsibilities. Workplaces have both the responsibility and the opportunity to prevent and respond to violence against women, with flexible working hours emerging as a critical area of focus. This chapter will explore the complex relationship between flexible work schedules and violence against women, analyzing both global and local evidence on how such policies can serve as both a risk and a protective factor for women's exposure to violence. It will delve into the dual impact of flexible work hours – how they can support women's safety, health, and well-being by reducing stress and enhancing work–life balance, while inadvertently increasing vulnerability by isolating women or exposing them to risks in home, work, and community environments. It will conclude with practical recommendations for workplace policies that integrate flexibility while actively addressing and mitigating the risks of violence against women.