Could a right to remote work stop declining birth rates?

The COVID-19 pandemic normalized working from home in the U.S., and the number of workers in remote and hybrid work arrangements remains elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels despite the end of the public health emergency. One benefit of remote work is that it allows parents to spend more time on childcare and housework—potentially reducing the barriers to starting a family. Indeed, some preliminary research in the U.S. shows that remote work is associated with higher fertility for some demographic groups, such as wealthier or higher-educated women. Meanwhile, most developed countries are grappling with persistent declines in fertility rates, raising concerns over aging populations and economic stagnation. Although the decline in fertility rates is a complex and multifaceted problem, the recent trend in remote work raises questions around if and how flexible work arrangements could help fertility rates rebound. Specifically, could a right to request flexible work that is enshrined in law combat declining birth rates?

On October 24, the Center on Regulation and Markets at Brookings will explore these questions with an expert panel featuring Rachel Arnow-Richman (University of Florida Levin College of Law), Phil Levine (Wellesley College), Thomas Roulet (University of Cambridge), and Lyman Stone (Institute for Family Studies), moderated by Loni Mahanta (aiEDU).

Viewers can join the conversation and ask questions in advance by emailing [email protected] or on X/Twitter @BrookingsEcon using the hashtag #BirthRates. This event is a part of the Center on Regulation and Markets’ series on “Reimagining Modern-day Markets and Regulations.”