WORK LIFE BALANCE DIRECTIVE IN EUROPEAN UNION - A CHANCE FOR GENDER EQUALITY?

Reconciling parental responsibilities with work is a significant challenge for today's communities. The uncertainty of the labor market, the growing competitiveness, increasing prevalence of extended working hours, variable work schedules and the desire of employers to reduce labor costs all contribute to the need for greater emotional and time commitment of employees. On the other hand, a demographic crisis is noticeable in many countries, which is a huge social and economic problem that will grow stronger with time. The aim of this publication is to introduce the new European Union regulation, the Directive on work-life balance for parents and caregivers, and to undertake an evaluation of the regulation.