Remote Work Boosts Fertility: How Working From Home Leads to More Children

The Surprising Link Between Remote Work and Family Growth

Do people have more children if they work from home? The simple answer is yes. A groundbreaking study reveals that working from home is directly linked to higher fertility rates, with more time spent at home correlating with increased births among working individuals.

Key Findings from a Global Study

Across 38 countries, including many in Europe, estimated lifetime fertility rises by 0.32 children per woman when both partners work from home at least one day per week, compared to couples where neither does. In the United States, this increase jumps to 0.45 children per woman.

These insights come from research by Steven J. Davis and colleagues, published as a working paper by the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) titled 'Work from Home and Fertility'. The study defines lifetime fertility as children ever born plus plans for future fertility, covering adults aged 20 to 45.

The Numbers Tell the Story

• When neither partner works from home, the average is 2.26 children per woman.
• If the woman works from home at least one day per week, it rises to 2.48 children.
• If both partners work from home, it increases further to 2.58 children.
• When only the man works from home, the increase is more limited at 2.36 children.

Why Does Remote Work Increase Fertility?

The study identifies three primary mechanisms explaining this connection:

1. Easier childcare integration: WFH jobs make it simpler to combine childcare with paid employment, encouraging couples to have more children.
2. Job selection: Families with children may choose jobs offering WFH options, though fertility itself might not be directly sensitive to WFH status.
3. Expanded opportunities: The availability of WFH jobs raises fertility by providing more parent-friendly job options.

All three align with the idea that WFH jobs facilitate combining child rearing and employment. Researchers found 'clear evidence' that fertility rates rise with WFH opportunities, both before and after the pandemic.

Global Variations and Implications

National fertility impacts vary significantly due to differences in working-from-home rates. Among workers aged 20–45, the share who work from home at least one day per week ranges from 21% in Japan to 60% in Vietnam.

Working from home remains relatively uncommon in many European countries, though the United Kingdom leads Europe with 54%. The shift to hybrid and remote work post-pandemic has been uneven globally.

Bringing WFH rates to levels seen in the US, UK, and Canada could materially boost fertility in many other countries, according to the report.

The US Perspective

The report estimates that, if interpreted causally, WFH accounts for 8.1% of US fertility—equivalent to about 291,000 births per year as of 2024. This contribution surpasses the effect of government spending on early childhood care and education in the United States.

Considerations for Policy and Productivity

The research cautions against one-size-fits-all approaches to working arrangements, noting that desire for remote work varies greatly among individuals, and practicality differs across jobs and organizations. Such policies could lead to unhappier workers and lower productivity.

A UK Parliament report also found that remote and hybrid work can boost employment, with parents, carers, and people with disabilities likely benefiting most from flexible work options.