WHEN WORK NEVER ENDS: UNDERSTANDING WORK–FAMILY CONFLICT AMONG WOMEN IN GURUGRAM’S IT SECTOR
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.69980/ck5n1p26Keywords:
Work–family conflict, Women in IT sector, Organisational culture, Gendered roles, Work–life balanceAbstract
The expansion of the Information Technology (IT) sector in urban centres such as Gurugram has significantly enhanced women’s participation in the workforce, positioning the industry as a space of economic mobility and professional advancement. However, alongside these opportunities, the nature of IT work has introduced new challenges that complicate the balance between professional and personal responsibilities. This paper explores the dynamics of work–family conflict among women employed in the IT sector, focusing on how organisational structures intersect with gendered expectations within the household. The study aims to examine the extent to which factors such as extended working hours, global time-zone coordination, performance pressures, and expectations of constant availability contribute to role conflict. It is based on primary data collected from 168 women professionals in Gurugram using a structured questionnaire, supported by qualitative insights. The findings indicate that work–family conflict is largely shaped by structural and cultural features of the workplace rather than individual limitations. Long working hours, unpredictable schedules, and constant connectivity blur boundaries between work and home. These pressures, combined with persistent caregiving expectations, intensify strain among women. The paper highlights the need for organisational reforms that promote realistic workloads, boundary protection, and more inclusive definitions of professional commitment.
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