A recent study by an international team of economists has revealed that couples where both partners engage in remote work for at least one day a week are projected to have an average of 0.32 additional children per woman compared to those who work entirely in an office setting. This analysis draws on data from 38 countries, focusing on births occurring from 2023 to early 2025 and the family planning intentions of young parents.
On a broader scale, the findings indicate a more pronounced effect at the national level. The research highlights that in the United States, where 41.7% of the workforce is currently working from home, this segment is responsible for approximately 8.1% of all births in 2024, which translates to around 291,000 newborns. In England, the figure is similarly notable, with 46.6% of employees working remotely at least part of the week, resulting in about 6.2% of births, equivalent to approximately 35,400 children.
The authors of the study exercise caution in asserting direct causation, suggesting that couples who intend to expand their families may intentionally seek remote work roles. Nonetheless, the researchers argue that remote work contributes positively by reducing what is termed the "coordination cost" associated with parenting. Families benefit from decreased commuting time and expenses, facilitating better synchronization of daycare arrangements, medical appointments, and managing unexpected health issues. With both partners enjoying more flexible schedules, the prospect of planning for additional children becomes significantly simpler.
One particularly compelling aspect of the research compares the impact of remote work to conventional family support measures like childcare subsidies. The findings indicate that remote work increases the U.S. fertility rate by approximately 0.131 children per woman, whereas government investment in preschool education contributes to an increase of about 0.08 children. This suggests that the influence of remote work on fertility rates is roughly 1.6 times greater than that of preschool subsidies.
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