COFACE Working group on work-life balance
27 January 2026 10.00-13.00 CET (online)
Background
COFACE is hosting an online working group meeting on work-life balance with members and partners to discuss key topics such as adequately paid leaves, take up of leaves by men and the childcare gap.
The childcare gap remains one of the most pressing challenges facing new parents across Europe today. This gap arises following the birth of a child, when well-paid parental leave has been exhausted, but access to state-supported full-time Early Childhood Education and Care is not yet available. During this period, families often struggle to balance care responsibilities and employment. This shows the shortcomings of existing work–life balance policies.
According to the find hand and European Equality Legal Network, gaps in the transposition of the EU Work-life Balance Directive persist—particularly in ensuring adequate compensation for parental leave and encouraging greater uptake of family leaves by fathers. These shortcomings often rooted in gender inequalities such as the gender pay gap, further deepen the childcare gap. Strengthening the effective implementation of the WLB Directive, especially by improving parental leave compensation and promoting equal sharing of caregiving responsibilities, is therefore essential to closing the childcare gap and supporting parents more effectively in the early years of their child’s life.
Aim of the working group meeting
- Take stock of latest trends on work-life balance policies across the EU with a focus on the adequacy of leave payments and the take-up of parental and family leaves by men.
- Discuss the current state of play regarding the transposition and implementation of the EU Work-life Balance Directive in Member States.
- Examine childcare the gap, and explore how to bridge this period
- Identify and discuss potential flagship initiatives and best practices that could help close this gap.
- Assess recent research findings and policy developments that can enhance future action.
Registrations
This meeting is open to COFACE members only – register here.
For further information about the programme, contact Attila Bőhm abohm@coface-eu.org
