Reconciliation between work, private and family life in the European Union

Work is a source of income, professional satisfaction and social contact. However, work is not always easy to combine with family life and other private activities, especially for parents. Reconciling both demands is an important issue for many citizens in the European Union. This publication looks at various aspects of the issue of reconciliation of work with family life. It features discussions of the data sources used and gives an overview of the differences in the relevant legal arrangements in the Member States. The report starts with a description of the labour market situation, including developments in part-time work, fixed-term contracts and household composition. The following chapters cover working hours with special attention to unpaid family work, childcare and other care services, maternity and parental leave and flexibility in working time arrangements, including atypical working times such as working at night or at the weekend