Didn't realize remote workers with kids get paid less on average

I was reading a report from Payscale the other day and saw that parents working from home earn about 8% less than remote workers without kids. The stat said it's because they take more flexible hours or step back from promotions. I don't have kids myself but it still rubbed me the wrong way. Has anyone else seen this play out in their own company?

2 comments

2 Comments

anthonyhunt29d agoTop Commenter

Derek99 mentioned that "flexibility stipend" thing, which is interesting but I gotta push back here. I actually think the pay difference makes some sense if you look at it from the company's side (and I know that sounds harsh). Remote workers with kids tend to take more breaks during the day, leave early for school stuff, or pass on those last minute projects that require crunch time, and that obviously affects productivity and promotability. Companies are paying for availability and focus, not just the work itself, so someone who's always checking out at 2pm for soccer practice is going to lag behind someone who can grind through the afternoon. It sucks that parenting hits your earning potential, but the market is just responding to who shows up more consistently.

derek9929d ago

My sister's company actually pays remote parents a "flexibility stipend" to keep them from getting penalized.