The Impact of Fertility Policy Adjustments on Female Teachers in Chinese Higher Education and Strategic Human Resource Management Responses

This study examines the impact of China’s fertility policy adjustment on female teachers in higher education institutions, with a particular focus on the resulting human resource management challenges and strategic responses. Against the backdrop of an aging population and declining birth rates, recent shifts in fertility policies have introduced new complexities for universities in managing their female workforce, especially in relation to work-family balance, maternity-related career interruptions, and long-term professional development. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research combines quantitative survey data from 480 female university teachers with qualitative insights drawn from in-depth interviews with five university HR directors in Northwest China. Key findings highlight substantial challenges in balancing work and family roles, delayed career progression, limited institutional support, and heightened psychological stress. The study further identifies dilemmas in HR practices such as rising labor costs, retention difficulties, and equity in promotion systems. In response, the study proposes strategic measures including flexible work arrangements, expanded childcare resources, gender-sensitive performance evaluations, and the cultivation of a supportive organizational culture. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on gender equity and sustainable HRM in academia, offering practical implications for university leaders and policymakers to better navigate the intersection of fertility policy and women's career advancement.