The analysis of economists Vanessa Bammert and Claus Michelsen from the Association of Research‑Based Pharmaceutical Companies (VFA) shows that women’s labor‑force participation is driven mainly by three factors, the “Spiegel” reports.
First, women are more likely to be employed in industries with high part‑time rates. The authors explain that women continue to shoulder the majority of childcare responsibilities, which keeps them in part‑time roles.
Second, the share of female employees rises with the proportion of women in senior positions. This part of the study focuses on industrial sectors. In firms where more women occupy leadership roles, workers pursue career paths more aggressively and have lower turnover rates.
Third, industries that pay higher wages and offer larger bonus packages also attract a greater number of women.
According to the authors’ model, these three factors together account for more than 90 % of the variations in women’s representation across industrial sectors.
The study comes as the federal government is considering abolishing the marital tax split for new couples and ending free partner insurance in health and long‑term‑care coverage, measures aimed at encouraging more women to enter or stay in paid work. Michelsen argues that removing these disincentives is appropriate, noting that the existing tax split “is a barrier and reduces incentives for dual earners”. He also calls free partner insurance a subsidy that reinforces non‑employment.
Beyond policy reforms, the VFA economists advocate for strengthening childcare infrastructure, offering flexible working hours, and making career opportunities more visible to attract and retain female workers.
