About Heejung Chung

Heejung Chung is a Professor of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Kent. Professor Chung’s interest lies in examining different labour market patterns and outcomes across European welfare states. More specifically she is interested in exploring gender inequalities both in the labour market and at home, and the role different labour market policies such as flexible working arrangements have in changing these relationships. Professor Chung’s new book, The Flexibility Paradox (Policy Press), discusses whether flexible working provides a better work-life balance. Professor Chung has also published policy briefing notes on what governments, companies and families can do to better use flexible working practices.

Posts by Heejung Chung:

December 6, 2022

Flexible working should be the norm for as many people as possibe

by Heejung Chung • Comment, Flexible working

The UK government has announced that all workers will now gain the right to request flexible working as a day one right – as to after 6 months of employment in the previous legislation. This move is a very welcome one, yet not enough to make flexible working a norm for all workers. To ensure that workers are truly able to access flexible working arrangements, we need to tackle the flexibility stigma still rampant in the UK. More →

February 21, 2019

Why the gender pay gap is an enduring challenge for many organisations

by Heejung Chung • Comment, Workplace

In April of 2018, large companies with over 250 employees were obliged to report their gender pay gap for the first time. Headlines that week were dominated by some of the surprise and shock of the extent to which women were paid less in majority of the companies reported, while for many women it just confirmed our hidden beliefs. There was a slight optimism, however, that there can only be progress. However, many companies who are reporting their new pay gap for this year show that rather than progress, many have increased their gaps. Why is this the case?