Workplace Flexibility and Women’s Career Continuity in India: A Phenomenological Study

This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of Indian women professionals engaged in workplace flexibility arrangements and examines how such arrangements influence career continuity. Despite the rapid adoption of hybrid and remote work models across India, limited qualitative evidence exists regarding their long-term impact on women’s professional growth. Using in-depth semi-structured interviews with 25 women professionals across IT, banking, education, and healthcare sectors, this study identifies five key themes: flexibility as empowerment, flexibility as hidden career penalty, managerial trust and support, intensified dual burden, and negotiated career aspirations. The findings reveal that flexibility enhances workforce participation and retention; however, structural biases, performance visibility norms, and socio-cultural expectations continue to shape advancement opportunities. The study contributes context-specific insights to gender and HRM literature in India and provides managerial recommendations for designing equitable and career-sustaining flexible work systems.