Success at a Cost: The Double Shift for Women in Business
Modern women are increasingly breaking through glass ceilings, leading businesses, and carving out successful careers. Yet, behind the glossy exterior of professional achievement lies an often invisible burden — the 'double shift'. Balancing demanding careers with the lion's share of household and childcare responsibilities, women are expected to 'do it all', but at what cost?
The Rise of the Double Shift
The term 'double shift' was coined by sociologist Arlie Hochschild to describe the phenomenon of women working full-time jobs while still undertaking the majority of unpaid domestic labour. Despite progress towards gender equality, recent research from the Office for National Statistics (2023) shows that women in the UK still perform 60% more unpaid domestic work than men — even when both partners work full-time.
For women in business, particularly those running their own companies or working in high-powered roles, this additional workload can be especially intense. The pressure to excel in their careers while also managing the household creates a constant sense of being pulled in multiple directions — a relentless balancing act that takes its toll on mental wellbeing.
The Mental Health Toll
The consequences of the double shift can be far-reaching. A 2023 report by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that women are significantly more likely than men to experience work-related stress and anxiety, with caring responsibilities cited as a key contributing factor.
Moreover, the lack of adequate support structures exacerbates feelings of isolation and overwhelm. Research by the Mental Health Foundation (2024) found that women juggling work and family responsibilities are more likely to experience loneliness and social disconnection, both of which are strongly linked to poor mental health.
The Hidden Cost of Success
While the narrative of the 'superwoman' — effortlessly juggling career, family, and social life — is often celebrated, it can be damaging. This expectation not only places immense pressure on women but also discourages them from seeking support.
A study by the UK charity Pregnant Then Screwed (2023) found that 70% of working mothers feel society does not adequately recognise or value their dual roles, contributing to feelings of guilt and inadequacy.
How Can Women Reclaim Balance?
Although systemic changes are essential, there are ways women can begin to reclaim balance and protect their mental health:
Setting Boundaries: Learning to say no and establishing clear boundaries between work and home life.
Delegating Tasks: Sharing domestic responsibilities more equitably with partners or outsourcing where possible.
Building Support Networks: Connecting with other women to share experiences and offer mutual support.
Prioritising Self-Care: Scheduling regular time for rest and personal wellbeing.
Moving Towards Collective Change
Ultimately, addressing the double shift requires both individual action and broader societal change. Policies such as affordable childcare, flexible working arrangements, and increased paternity leave can play a vital role in levelling the playing field.
By recognising the hidden costs of success and advocating for better support systems, women can begin to dismantle the structures that perpetuate the double shift — creating a more balanced, equitable future where women no longer have to 'do it all' alone.