A recent survey by Indeed highlights a significant barrier for women in the Indian workforce: caregiving responsibilities. The findings indicate that more than eight out of ten women in India opt not to apply for jobs because they perceive the roles as incompatible with their family care duties.
Flexibility Emerges as a Key Factor in Career Decisions
The survey, conducted in May 2026, underscores that caregiving profoundly influences women's career paths, with flexibility becoming a crucial element in their job choices. Among respondents, flexible work hours were the top priority for 53% when considering a job, closely followed by hybrid or remote work options at 48%.
The data also reveals a willingness to compromise financial gain for better work-life integration. Nearly eight in ten women stated they would either accept lower pay (45%) or consider doing so (34%) in exchange for enhanced flexibility and a healthier work-life balance. Furthermore, 51% reported declining job interviews or offers specifically due to stringent office attendance requirements.
Employer Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Female Talent
Sashi Kumar, Managing Director of Indeed India, emphasized that while caregiving duties are often shared, women in India continue to factor these demands heavily into major career decisions. "Women remain ambitious, but many are increasingly selective about roles that fit the realities of caregiving," Kumar noted. He suggested that employers offering genuine flexibility and clear expectations are better positioned to attract and retain female employees.
For working mothers, hybrid and remote work models are particularly impactful. 37% of respondents identified these options as the single most significant workplace change that would benefit mothers. A majority, 59%, believe that workplace flexibility has genuinely improved career opportunities for mothers in India, with an additional 30% acknowledging some positive impact.
Identifying Red Flags in Job Descriptions
As many workplaces revert to office-centric models, attendance expectations are increasingly shaping job decisions. The survey pointed out that full-time office requirements were the biggest red flag for 37% of respondents in job descriptions. A lack of stated flexibility in job postings was also a significant concern for 34% of women.
Survey Methodology
The Mother’s Day 2026 survey collected responses from 1,141 women across major Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, and Kolkata. Participants included working mothers, women currently on career breaks, those who had returned to work, and working women planning to have children, ensuring a comprehensive view of women's employment experiences and challenges related to caregiving.